BTS Makes History With Three Wins at 2026 MTV Video Music Awards

The K-pop stars, BTS had a major night at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, after sweeping all three categories in which they received nominations.

BTS’ Song of the Year win signified one more chief accomplishment for the K-pop group. Their winning track SWIM, earned the group a historic win as the first Asian act to receive the award.

BTS participated alongside Ella Langley’s Choosin’ Texas, HUNTR/X’s Golden, Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter’s Bring Your Love, Olivia Dean’s Man I Need, PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson’s Stateside, and Raye’s Where Is My Husband!

Earlier in 2021, by nominated for Song of the Year, BTS made history as the first Korean act and now the group finally achieved the trophy for the first time this year.

BTS also secured its fifth Best Group victory. From 2019 and 2022, BTS secured the fan-voted award four in straight, giving them the record for the most wins, giving the group the record for the most victories. Its latest win has further extended that record.

In the Best K-Pop category, BTS defeated Blackpink, Cortis, KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM featuring j-hope and LISA. Before this year’s ceremony, BTS and LISA were tied with three wins each. BTS’ latest victory gives the group a record-breaking fourth win in the category.

BTS Return After Military Service

The 2026 VMAs marked an important period for BTS following their return to group activities. The members resumed their collective work in March with the release of Arirang after their group activities had been paused during their mandatory military service.

BTS Wins Were Not Shown During Live Broadcast

Although BTS secured three major victories, but fans tuning into the live ceremony did not see any of the trophies presented on stage.

The 2026 VMAs featured 23 categories, with only six were presented live on CBS and MTV. The categories awards included Best Pop, Best Collaboration, Best Dance, Artist of the Year, Best New Artist and Video of the Year.

The other categories, including all three awards won by BTS, were announced on social media after the ceremony ended. The format was also used during last year’s event.

BTS did not attend the ceremony in person, continuing the group’s existing streak of missing the VMAs physically.