The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards have officially unveiled the nominations for the Best K-Pop category, and it’s shaping up to be a fiercely competitive race. The nominees include a mix of global superstars and rising acts: “JUMP” by BLACKPINK, “SWIM” by BTS, “REDRED” by CORTIS, “PINKY UP” by KATSEYE, “SPAGHETTI” by LE SSERAFIM featuring j-hope of BTS, and “Dream” by Lisa featuring Kentaro Sakaguchi.
BTS’s “SWIM” leads the pack with nominations in both Best K-Pop and the general category of Song of the Year. Meanwhile, Lisa is making history with her solo track “Dream,” which earned a record four total nominations, including Best Pop, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing, in addition to Best K-Pop.
Marking a significant milestone, the quintet CORTIS has earned its first-ever VMA nominations, including Best New Artist and Best K-Pop for their hit “REDRED”. KATSEYE also scored two nominations, with “PINKY UP” recognized for Best Choreography and Best K-Pop.
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 27.
