K-pop Shines at MTV VMAs: BLACKPINK's Double Triumph & Jungkook's Historic Solo Win

This year's 'MTV Video Music Awards' (MTV VMAs) once again highlighted the achievements of K-pop stars. BLACKPINK ascended as the top K-pop winners with two awards, while Jungkook made history as the first K-pop soloist to clinch the 'Song of the Summer' honor. Representing the fourth generation of boy groups, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) and Stray Kids not only bagged awards but also showcased their performances, solidifying their presence.

On September 13th (Korean time), the '2023 MTV VMAs' were held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Since its inception in 1984, the 'MTV VMAs' have been counted among the top four major American music award ceremonies alongside the Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards.

BLACKPINK took home trophies for 'Group of the Year' and 'Best Choreography', marking a double win. Notably, their win in the 'Group of the Year' category is significant as they are the first Asian female group to win this award, and the first girl group to do so since American group TLC 24 years ago. Their 'Best Choreography' win is also a first for a K-pop girl group.

Jungkook, who was nominated last year for 'Song of the Summer' with his collaboration track 'Left and Right' with Charlie Puth, succeeded in winning the same category this year with his solo song 'Seven (feat. Latto)'. He secured the trophy after intense competition with artists like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift, becoming the first Korean solo artist to win in this category.

Representing the fourth generation, boy groups Stray Kids and TXT each won in the 'Best K-pop' and 'Push Performance of the Year' categories, respectively, lifting their first-ever 'MTV VMA' trophies.

Having surpassed formidable senior groups like BLACKPINK and SEVENTEEN to win the 'Best K-pop' category with their song 'S-Class', Stray Kids expressed, "Since the beginning of our career, we've been making our own music, which makes this award even more meaningful. We sincerely thank our fans for their support and encouragement. There's so much more to show, so please look forward to Stray Kids' future."

TXT, who won the 'Push Performance of the Year' category, which recognizes the top artist from the 'MTV Push' campaign, shared, "We'll always remember how exhilarating it was to be MTV's Push Artist. We wanted to show everyone who we are and our music, and this award signifies that we've achieved it. It's a night to remember forever. Thank you."

Both Stray Kids and TXT heated up the award ceremony with their performances. Stray Kids showcased their song 'S-Class' for the first time on American television, demonstrating their overwhelming stage presence. Meanwhile, TXT unveiled their new song 'Back for More' in collaboration with Brazilian pop star Anitta, capturing the audience's attention.

Meanwhile, the honor of the most awards at the '2023 MTV VMAs' went to Taylor Swift. She succeeded in winning in categories such as 'Video of the Year', 'Artist of the Year', 'Song of the Year', 'Best Pop', 'Show of the Summer', 'Album of the Year', 'Best Direction', 'Best Cinematography', and 'Best Visual Effects'.