BTS won Song of the Year for “SWIM”, the lead single from their fifth studio album, “ARIRANG”. This became the group’s first win in the category.
Instagram →"SWIM” also earned BTS the Best K-Pop award. The group won the category ahead of nominees including BLACKPINK, CORTIS, KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM and Lisa.
BTS also won Best Group, marking their fifth victory in the category. The win extends their record as the most-awarded act in the category.
With their Song of the Year victory, BTS became the first K-pop group to win the prestigious category. The achievement comes after their previous Song of the Year nomination for “Dynamite” in 2021.
BTS did not attend the ceremony in Los Angeles due to scheduling conflicts, but their three victories made the 2026 VMAs a significant chapter in their career.