Rosé, a member of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, won the Song of the Year award at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) on September 7 (local time) for her duet “APT.” with pop star Bruno Mars. This marks the first time a K-pop artist has received the honor in this category. Rosé also took home the Best Group award with BLACKPINK, making her a double winner.

At the VMAs held at UBS Arena in New York, Rosé, visibly emotional, said upon receiving the Song of the Year trophy, “I can’t believe this,” describing it as a rewarding moment for all her efforts. Song of the Year, alongside Video of the Year and Artist of the Year, is regarded as one of the show’s top honors.

Dressed in a gold gown, Rosé first thanked Bruno Mars, her partner on the track, before reading a prepared acceptance speech. “I gladly accept this award as a reward for all the hard work,” she said. Reflecting on her childhood dreams of becoming a singer, she dedicated the award to her “16-year-old self who dreamed and to all those who have watched me grow into the artist I am today.”

While most of her remarks were delivered in English, she switched to Korean to thank her producer Teddy and fellow BLACKPINK members. Calling Teddy her “eternal mentor,” she said, “Oppa, I won an award.” Teddy is the founder of The Black Label and has worked with Rosé since her days under YG Entertainment. She also named BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa, and said in Korean, “Members, I won an award. Thank you always, and I love you so much.”

With BLACKPINK winning Best Group, Rosé secured two trophies that night. BLACKPINK became the category’s winner for the second time, following their victory in 2023 when it was called “Group of the Year.”

Rosé had been nominated in seven categories with “APT.” (Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, and Best Visual Effects), but won only Song of the Year. She was also nominated for Best K-pop with “Toxic Till the End,” but the award went to fellow member Lisa.

“APT.” has spent 45 consecutive weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3. Analysts say its steady run reflects genuine popularity and mass appeal, not just a fleeting spike from fandom. Pop culture critic Kim Heon-sik commented, “To win Song of the Year, a track has to be popular enough for local listeners to sing along. Hitting No. 1 is important, but the number of weeks on the chart matters even more.”

The MTV VMAs are considered one of America’s four major music award shows, along with the Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards. While “APT.” is an English-language collaboration with Bruno Mars, many see the win as a milestone for K-pop. Rosé is a member of a K-pop girl group, and the song itself was inspired by a Korean drinking game. Its refrain, “apateu, apateu,” echoes a chant familiar to Koreans.

Some analysts say this is only the beginning. While Rosé won through a collaboration with a global pop star, the next stage will be for K-pop artists to win with solo tracks or Korean-language songs. “APT.” may help spark greater interest in K-pop worldwide.

The night’s biggest awards went to other stars. Video of the Year to Ariana Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead” and Artist of the Year to Lady Gaga.