Rosé Makes History: First K-Pop Artist to Win Song of the Year at 2025 MTV Video Music Awards

In a monumental moment for global music, Rosé of the K-pop phenomenon Blackpink has etched her name in history, becoming the first K-pop artist to win the prestigious Song of the Year award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. The groundbreaking win for her collaboration with superstar Bruno Mars on the track “APT.” took place on Sunday, September 7, at the UBS Arena in New York. This achievement not only solidifies Rosé’s status as a dominant solo force but also marks a significant turning point for K-pop’s recognition on the world’s biggest music stages.

A Milestone Moment for K-Pop

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony, a premier event in the music industry, saw Rosé ascend to a new echelon of global stardom. Winning Song of the Year for “APT.”, a track released in October 2024, marks the first time a K-pop artist has secured one of the show’s top honors. While groups like BTS and Blackpink have previously taken home VMA trophies, Rosé’s individual win is particularly historic, highlighting the growing influence and acceptance of solo K-pop artists in mainstream Western music. This news quickly became a trending topic, reflecting the immense global interest in this music news.

The Global Success of ‘APT.’

“APT.”, the dynamic collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars, has been a colossal hit since its release. The song quickly climbed global charts, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating streaming platforms like Spotify. Its impressive 41-week run on the Radio Songs chart is a testament to its enduring appeal and widespread popularity, making it a truly trending music sensation of the year. The track’s fusion of Rosé’s distinctive vocals with Mars’s signature flair resonated with audiences worldwide, showcasing a successful cross-cultural musical endeavor.

Record-Breaking Nominations and Recognition

Rosé’s remarkable evening was underscored by an unprecedented number of nominations. She entered the 2025 VMAs with a record-breaking eight nods, the most ever for a K-pop singer. The majority of these nominations were for “APT.”, including coveted categories such as Video of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Visual Effects. Her solo debut album track, “Toxic Till the End,” also earned a nomination for Best K-pop, further demonstrating the breadth of her solo artistic achievements.

An Emotional Acceptance Speech

Accepting the Song of the Year award, Rosé, who appeared in a shimmering butter-yellow sequined dress, delivered a heartfelt speech. She expressed her disbelief and profound gratitude, first thanking Bruno Mars for his belief and collaboration. Rosé also shared touching messages in Korean to producer Teddy and her Blackpink bandmates, saying, “Oppa Teddy, I won an award. Blackpink members, I won an award. I am always grateful and love you”. In a particularly poignant moment, she dedicated the award to her “16-year-old self, who dreamed,” and to everyone who has supported her journey.

Broader K-Pop Impact

While Rosé’s win is a landmark moment for solo artists, the 2025 VMAs also recognized other K-pop talents. Notably, Lisa of Blackpink secured her third “Best K-pop” trophy for her song “Born Again,” further highlighting the strong presence of K-pop acts at the awards. The inclusion of K-pop artists in major categories and their continued wins signify the genre’s undeniable impact on the global music landscape. Rosé’s Song of the Year win is not just a personal triumph but a victory for K-pop, paving the way for even greater international recognition for artists from the genre in future music news and trending discussions.