On September 7 (local time), Rosé of BLACKPINK made history by becoming the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) with her Bruno Mars collaboration APT..

The achievement was widely celebrated in global media—but one South Korean outlet, Chosun Ilbo, drew sharp criticism for the way it framed its coverage.

Rosé MTV VMA Chosun Ilbo BTSperson' 'woman' 'blondehair' 'makeup' 'interview.

On September 8, Chosun Ilbo published an article titled: “Even BTS failed to win Song of the Year, but Rosé won with ‘APT.’… A first in K-pop history.”

The piece highlighted Rosé’s milestone while recalling that BTS’s Dynamite had been nominated in 2021 but did not win.

While the article praised Rosé, many fans felt the reference to BTS was unnecessary and disrespectful.

The article was quickly shared on Korean forums such as theqoo, where netizens reacted strongly:

  • Congratulations to Rosé, but why add the line ‘even BTS failed’?
  • This headline deserves criticism.
  • Why frame it like that? Just celebrate Rosé’s achievement.
  • That title is awful.
  • No need to drag BTS into this. So insensitive.
  • It feels like they’re putting down BTS just to lift Rosé up.

Despite the backlash, fans across communities continued to congratulate Rosé on her historic accomplishment.

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Although BTS never won Song of the Year, they have built an impressive MTV VMAs record, including:

  • Best K-pop: 2019, 2020, 2021 (shared record with Lisa)
  • Best Group: 2019, 2020
  • Best Pop: 2020
  • Group of the Year and Song of the Summer: 2021

With all seven members now discharged from military service, anticipation for their comeback remains high. BigHit Music has denied confirmed schedules, but in a July livestream, the group revealed they are working on a new album slated for release in spring 2026.

Rosé MTV VMA Bruno Mars APTperson' 'woman' 'blonde' 'dress' 'award.

For Rosé, the VMAs victory represents a landmark achievement for K-pop. However, the controversy over Chosun Ilbo’s headline shows how sensitive fan communities remain when it comes to comparisons between artists—especially when they involve BTS, one of Korea’s most globally renowned acts.

Sources: Koreaboo