K-pop acts receive multiple nominations for 2026 MTV VMAs

The nominees for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have been announced, featuring several prominent K-pop acts and soloists. BTS has received two nominations for the track “Swim,” including Song of the Year and Best K-Pop.

Other notable nominees include members of BLACKPINK, such as Lisa, who secured four nominations for “Dream” across categories including Best Pop, Best K-Pop, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing. Jisoo also received a nomination for Best Visual Effects for her collaboration with Zayn, “Eyes Closed.”

The group KATSEYE, a collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records, has drawn attention after receiving nominations for Best K-Pop and Best Choreography for the song “Pinky Up.” The inclusion of KATSEYE has sparked discussion regarding the definition of K-pop, as the group performs entirely in English and features only one Korean member, despite being trained within the K-pop system.

Additional nominees in the Best K-Pop category include LE SSERAFIM, Cortis, and BLACKPINK. The VMAs are scheduled to take place at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on September 27.