BLACKPINK’s Lisa won the Best K‑Pop award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards for her song “Born Again,” a collaboration with Doja Cat and Raye. The ceremony, held at the UBS Arena in New York on September 7, saw Lisa’s track defeat strong contenders such as BTS’s Jimin, Stray Kids, aespa, Rosé, Jisoo and Jennie. This victory marks Lisa’s third Best K‑Pop award in four years, tying her with BTS for the most wins in the category since its inception in 2019.
The decision, however, has sparked controversy online. Some viewers question how a song with no Korean lyrics and only one K‑pop idol qualifies for the category. Critics argue that the VMAs are blurring genre boundaries and undermining Korean artists who release music in their native language, suggesting the track might have been more appropriate for the Best Pop or Best Collaboration categories.
Despite the criticism, Lisa’s achievement cements her status as one of the most consistent performers in the K‑pop field. The 2025 MTV VMAs also featured other notable wins: BLACKPINK was named Group of the Year, and Rosé and Bruno Mars made history with “APT.”, which took Song of the Year, making Rosé the first K‑pop artist to earn that honor.
The debate surrounding the Best K‑Pop award highlights the challenges of defining and representing the genre on an international stage. As K‑pop continues to gain global recognition, award shows must navigate the complexities of cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. For now, the choice to award “Born Again” as Best K‑Pop has ignited conversation about the genre’s boundaries and limitations.
Lisa’s win also solidifies her position as a leading figure in K‑pop, bolstered by a growing global profile and a string of successful releases. Her solo album “Alter Ego” dropped earlier this year, and she has been balancing music with acting, including filming “The White Lotus” while working on the album. As BLACKPINK continues their DEADLINE World tour, the discussion about the Best K‑Pop award is likely to persist, with fans and critics alike weighing in on the significance of the genre and its representation on the global stage.
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