BTS led the winners at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, taking three trophies, including Song of the Year for “Swim,” the lead track from the group’s fifth studio album, “Arirang.” The band also won Best K-pop and Best Group at the ceremony held Sunday, U.S. time, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
It was BTS’ first Song of the Year win, the show’s top honor. The group prevailed over “Golden” from the soundtrack of Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” “Bring Your Love” by Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter, and Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas.” BTS won every category in which it was nominated but did not attend because of scheduling conflicts.
The Best Group win extended BTS’ record in the category to five. It was also the group’s fourth Best K-pop trophy, following three consecutive wins from 2019 to 2021. Last year, BLACKPINK’s Rosé became the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year for “APT.,” her collaboration with Bruno Mars.
Lisa won Best Pop for “Dream,” which features Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi. She became the first Asian solo artist and the first K-pop soloist to receive the award, beating nominees including Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift. Accepting the trophy, Lisa thanked MTV and her fans, whom she called her “Lilies.”
The award was Lisa’s fourth VMA trophy. She had previously won Best K-pop as a solo artist in 2022, 2024 and 2025. She also performed her new song “SaWaDiKa” at the ceremony. BLACKPINK’s Jennie, boy group Cortis and girl group Katseye were also nominated but left without awards.