K-pop supergroup BTS clinched its second Artist of the Year prize at the American Music Awards in Las Vegas on Monday. In this March photo, the band performs at their comeback concert in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. File Photo by Yonhap
K-pop supergroup BTS clinched Artist of the Year, considered the top honor, at the American Music Awards (AMAs) held in Las Vegas on Monday (U.S. time), marking its second win in the flagship category.
The septet beat global stars, such as Bad Bunny, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift, to win the honor as it returned to the AMAs stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena for the first time in five years.
It marks the second Artist of the Year title clinched by BTS, following its historic first victory in 2021, when it became the first Asian act to claim the top prize.
Nominees for the 2026 AMAs were chosen based on streaming, album and digital sales, radio airplay, and touring revenue, while the winners are determined entirely by fan voting.
The feat came just two months after the group made a comeback with its fifth studio album, “Arirang,” following a nearly four-year hiatus for military service.
“ARMYs, we made it once again!” BTS frontman RM shouted on stage, accepting the award. “Thank you. It’s an honor to have this precious award after everybody has done their military service,” he said. “Our biggest thanks and gratitude as always goes to the ARMYs all over the world who stood by us for the past 13 years.”
Member Jimin said, “Thank you for passionately following us on tour and showing so much love in every city,” before adding in Korean: “Thank you so much to ARMYs for your support and love. I love you.”
The group also took home Song of the Summer for “Swim,” the lead track from the new album, and Best Male K-pop Artist.
U.S.-based K-pop girl group Katseye grabbed three honors — New Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Pop Artist and Best Music Video for its song “Gnarly.” The group performed its latest hit, “Pinky Up,” on stage.
“We want to give a special shoutout to BTS tonight for inspiring us to represent our culture at a global scale,” team leader Sophia said while accepting the award.
Yoonchae, the only Korean member of the multinational group, said in Korean that she was so thankful to share the moment with her fellow members. “We will continue to represent our culture for (with) pride,” she added in English.
In addition, the hit Netflix animation “KPop Demon Hunters” and its original soundtrack “Golden” received four awards — Song of the Year, Best Vocal Performance, Best Pop Song and Best Soundtrack.
Ejae and Rei Ami, members of the Korean American trio that performed “Golden” as the in-film girl group, attended the ceremony to receive the Song of the Year trophy, while the other member, Audrey Nuna, was not present.
“Truly, like this movie, this song is fueled by the fans. You guys filled the Honmoon,” Ejae, who also co-wrote the song, said in her acceptance speech on stage, expressing appreciation to fans and the “KPop Demon Hunters” team.
The Best Female K-pop Artist title went to TWICE.
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