The competition for Best K-Pop at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is officially heating up! This year's nominees bring together some of the biggest names in K-pop, alongside exciting collaborations and rising artists making their mark on the global stage.
From established groups with massive worldwide fandoms to newer acts earning major recognition, the six nominated music videos represent a diverse mix of artists, concepts, and sounds. With the iconic Moon Person up for grabs, fans will be eagerly watching to see who takes home the award.
Here are the artists and music videos nominated for Best K-Pop at the 2026 VMAs:
BLACKPINK is officially in the running for Best K-Pop with “JUMP,” a standout track from Deadline. The nomination adds another major recognition to the group's global career and highlights their continued influence as one of the biggest names in music.
With their unmistakable presence, powerful performances, and worldwide fanbase, BLACKPINK remains a major force at international award shows. “JUMP” now joins this year's competitive Best K-Pop lineup as BLINKs rally behind the group.
BTS earns a nomination for Best K-Pop with “SWIM,” from their album ARIRANG, adding another exciting milestone to the group's long history of global recognition.
As one of the most influential acts in K-pop, BTS continues to demonstrate the strength of its worldwide impact. The nomination gives ARMYs another major moment to celebrate as they support the group in one of the VMAs' most competitive categories.
CORTIS joins the Best K-Pop race with “REDRED,” a track from GreenGreen, marking an exciting moment for the group.
Being nominated alongside some of the biggest names in the industry is a major milestone and highlights CORTIS's growing presence. The recognition gives COER another reason to celebrate as they support the group and its nominated music video.
As one of the newer artists represented in this year's lineup, CORTIS's nomination proves that the group's music is already reaching audiences around the world.
KATSEYE earns a spot among this year's Best K-Pop nominees with “PINKY UP", from their release WILD.
The nomination reflects the group's growing global presence and gives EYEKONS an exciting opportunity to celebrate another milestone. With their distinctive sound, strong performances, and expanding international fanbase, KATSEYE continues to attract attention around the world.
“PINKY UP” now enters the race for the Moon Person alongside an impressive group of fellow nominees.
LE SSERAFIM and BTS's j-hope join forces in this year's Best K-Pop category with “SPAGHETTI.” a standout release from SPAGHETTI.
The collaboration brings together two major HYBE acts, creating a release that immediately captured fans' attention. The nomination is another exciting moment for both FEARNOTs and ARMYs as they support the artists in the race for Best K-Pop.
With the star power behind the collaboration and its memorable concept, “SPAGHETTI” is undoubtedly one of the category's standout contenders.
LISA of BLACKPINK is also nominated for Best K-Pop with “Dream,” from her solo album Alter Ego, featuring Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi in the music video.
The music video stands out for its cinematic approach and emotional storytelling, giving the release a different feel from many of this year's nominees. The collaboration between LISA and Kentaro Sakaguchi helped create a memorable visual experience that resonated with fans.
Now, LISA joins the race for the Moon Person as LILIES show their support for “Dream.”
The 2026 Best K-Pop category brings together an exciting mix of legendary groups, global stars, collaborations, and rising acts.
BLACKPINK, BTS, CORTIS, KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM and j-hope, and LISA featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi all bring something different to the competition, making this year's race one to watch.
As the 2026 VMAs approach, fans around the world will be waiting to see who ultimately takes home the Moon Person. Until then, the question remains: Who are you rooting for?
