BTS swept the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), winning awards in all three categories that they were nominated for.

The septet took home awards for Best K-pop and Best Group, as well as winning Song of the Year with ARIRANG title track “SWIM.” While they did not attend the ceremony – held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on September 27 – a statement from the group was shared online by their agency BigHit Music.

“We sincerely thank ARMY for always giving us your unwavering love and support,” it reads, “‘ARIRANG’ feels like a new beginning for us, which makes this award all the more meaningful.”

Each of the three of the awards are significant for different reasons. BTS’ win in Best K-pop sees them pulling away from a previous tie in the category with BLACKPINK’s LISA, making them the most awarded in the category’s history following wins in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Similarly, BTS were victorious in the Best Group category for four consecutive years from 2019 to 2022, prior to their military hiatus, and so a win in 2026 marks their fifth. They are now the most-awarded act in the history of the Best Group category. While the category is fan-voted as opposed to being chosen by an industry panel, it does see BTS up against other popular groups from both within and outside of K-pop, meaning that a fifth win demonstrates the strength of the support from their fandom, ARMY.

BTS’ win in the Song of the Year category is also remarkable, as it makes them the second Asian artist in history to win the award – with the first occurring only last year. In 2025, BLACKPINK’s Rosé won for the viral hit “APT.” with Bruno Mars. This year, “SWIM” won out over a field that included “Bring Your Love” by Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter, “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” by RAYE, “Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Hangley and “Golden” by HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters. All have seen consistent international radioplay throughout the year, placing BTS against strong competition. Most, too, are from Western artists who traditionally see more popularity in the U.S.-based award show, showcasing the height of BTS’ achievement.

Though BTS have a history at the MTV VMAs as the most-awarded K-pop group, their dominance was disrupted by the four year hiatus caused by their mandatory military enlistment periods. For the group to come back from the hiatus with the success of reunion album ARIRANG and its title track “SWIM” proves that despite the break, support from the group has not wavered, and neither has the level of interest the industry pays them in terms of radioplay and nominations.

As stated by the group themselves, ARIRANG represents a “new beginning.” With three new awards under their belt, that new beginning is turning out to be very promising for BTS’ future.