The nominations for the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have sparked a significant reaction among K-pop fans, with many expressing disappointment and confusion over the selection process for the “Best K-Pop” category. The nominations were announced on August 5, ahead of the live ceremony on September 7.
A Controversy Over Definition
A central point of contention involves the nomination of Blackpink’s Lisa for her track, Born Again, a collaboration with American artist Doja Cat and British artist Raye. Fans have argued that the song does not fit the definition of a K-pop song, as it is performed entirely in English and features no Korean lyrics. Many believe the song should have been considered for more general categories, such as “Best Pop” or “Best Collaboration.”
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The decision has prompted accusations of disrespect and racism online, with fans suggesting that the VMAs are “caging” K-pop artists in a single category, even when their work transcends genre boundaries. One fan remarked on X (formerly Twitter): “this is actually disrepectful and racist.” Another added, “They want to cage lisa in that k-pop catagory so bad… when song is in english and the artists are from Uk, Us and Thailand.”
Overlooked Artists and Snubbed Categories
The backlash has been compounded by the absence of nominations for other popular K-pop artists. Fans of BTS have voiced their frustration over the complete exclusion of members J-Hope and Jin, whose recent solo releases and strong chart performances were seen as more than eligible for recognition.
Tracks like J-Hope’s Mona Lisa and Jin’s Running Wild were among the fan-favorite releases that many expected to see on the list. One fan wrote: “@MTV @vmas Genuinely wondering how Jin and Jhope didn’t get nominated for ‘Best K-Pop’ when they were the highest-charting K-pop soloist on Billboard this year, and their recent singles went viral across every major platform.”
@MTV @vmas Genuinely wondering how Jin and Jhope didn’t get nominated for 'Best K-Pop' when they were the highest-charting K-pop soloist on Billboard this year, and their recent singles went viral across every major platform.
— Happy⁷•᎑• (@namjoonwife_jk7) August 5, 2025
The controversy extended to other artists as well. Fans of Jennie, for example, highlighted that her Like Jennie track, with its viral choreography, was placed in the “Best K-Pop” category but not considered for dance-specific awards. This fueled further criticism that the VMAs’ selection process for the genre is inconsistent.
K-Pop’s Growing Global Presence
Despite the controversy, K-pop artists still received significant recognition. Rosé, also of Blackpink, stood out as a leader in the genre, earning a total of eight solo nominations. Her collaboration with Bruno Mars on the hit APT. was nominated for several general categories, including Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Pop.
All four members of Blackpink — Rosé, Jennie, Lisa, and Jisoo — received solo nominations in the “Best K-Pop” category, a first for the group. The category also includes nominations for Stray Kids, aespa, and Jimin of BTS. Additionally, the rising multinational group KATSEYE secured a nomination for Push Performance of the Year with their debut track, Touch.
The nominations reflect the global influence of K-pop, but also bring into focus the ongoing challenges and debates about how a major American awards show acknowledges and categorises a genre that has grown to dominate international music.
