NEW YORK, USA: In a historic moment at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, BLACKPINK’s Rosé and global pop icon Bruno Mars won the coveted Song of the Year award for their hit collaboration “APT.”—a milestone that has now etched K-Pop deeper into mainstream global music.
The star-studded event, held at the UBS Arena, witnessed Rosé delivering an emotional speech as she dedicated the award to her 16-year-old self—calling her younger years those of “an oddball” who dared to dream of being herself. She also thanked her therapist’s advice to “thank myself,” striking a chord with millions watching around the world.
Rosé expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bruno Mars, describing him as an “incredible teacher,” and also extended love to her BLACKPINK bandmates—Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa—while appreciating her fans for standing by her journey.
The category saw fierce competition, with Rosé and Mars edging out heavyweights like Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, and The Weeknd. But the victory carried significance far beyond music charts—it symbolized cultural breakthrough, East meeting West, and a celebration of artistic authenticity.
Industry watchers call this a defining moment for K-Pop, showing that it is no longer confined to its own genre bubble but now sits firmly at the global music table.
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