Rosé of BLACKPINK has etched her name into global music history. The singer-songwriter became the first-ever K-pop artist to win “Song of the Year” at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), held on September 7 (local time) at UBS Arena in New York.
Rosé received the honor for “APT.”, her powerful duet with pop superstar Bruno Mars, marking a breakthrough moment for both her solo career and the global recognition of K-pop. While Korean artists such as BTS had previously been nominated in major categories, none had secured the trophy until now.
An Emotional Acceptance Speech
Dressed in a shimmering gold gown, Rosé took the stage to an outpouring of applause. “I can’t believe this,” she began, her voice trembling with emotion. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bruno Mars for his support and collaboration, adding:
“This moment feels like a reward for all the hard work. It’s something I once dreamed about when I was 16, and I hope it inspires everyone who wishes for their efforts to be fairly recognized.”
Switching briefly to Korean, she gave a touching shoutout to her producer and bandmates:
“Teddy oppa, I won the award! BLACKPINK members, I won the award! Thank you and I love you always.”
Breaking Records and Redefining K-pop’s Global Status
Beyond her historic win, Rosé was nominated in eight categories, the highest ever for a K-pop solo artist. “APT.” dominated the charts worldwide, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and maintaining a 12-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200.
The achievement is being hailed as a defining moment that cements K-pop’s position as part of the mainstream global music industry. Social media, news outlets, and fellow artists worldwide celebrated the milestone as a cultural breakthrough.
What Comes Next for Rosé and K-pop
Industry experts suggest that Rosé’s win could have long-lasting implications, both for her career and the international expansion of K-pop. Winning a main VMA category signals new opportunities for Asian artists globally, while elevating K-pop’s prestige in the Western market.
Rosé is now being recognized as a global pop icon, with expectations for future collaborations, world tours, and even a Grammy pursuit. Her influence in both music and fashion is expected to grow, boosting not only her individual brand value but also expanding the horizons for BLACKPINK and K-pop as a whole.
The golden VMA trophy stands as proof that K-pop is no longer on the periphery—it’s firmly at the center of the global music stage, with Rosé leading the way.
Photo Credit: Rosé Instagram, MTV Instagram, Official Album Image
