Boy group BTS accepts the Artist of the Year award during the 52nd American Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena Monday in Las Vegas. AFP-Yonhap
K-pop artists won major categories at the 52nd American Music Awards this week, prompting Culture Minister Chae Hwi-young to send congratulatory messages Wednesday to BTS, KATSEYE and the singing voices of Huntrix from the animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" for their victories at one of the biggest music award shows in the United States.
The haul underscored the genre’s evolution from a regional subculture into a dominant force in the global music industry, marked by both the triumphant return of established icons and the arrival of highly successful cross-cultural experiments.
Leading the charge was BTS, the powerhouse boy group that claimed the night’s highest honor, Artist of the Year. The win marks the group's second time taking home the top prize, having made history in 2021 as the first Asian act to do so. Returning to full activities as a complete group this year, BTS also took home trophies for Best Male K-Pop Artist and Song of the Summer for their track "Swim," securing a hat trick.
The ceremony also vaulted newer acts into the global spotlight.
The multinational girl group KATSEYE — formed through a joint venture using Korean idol training methodologies — won New Artist of the Year. The group also captured three awards, including Breakthrough Pop Artist and Best Music Video for their single "Gnarly." Meanwhile, veteran girl group Twice was named Best Female K-pop Artist.
In one of the evening’s biggest surprises, Song of the Year went to "Golden," the breakout electropop anthem from "K-Pop Demon Hunters." Performed by soloists EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami as fictional girl group Huntrix, the chart-topping track beat out mainstream pop favorites. Music from the film claimed four awards overall, including Best Soundtrack.
"K-pop has firmly established itself as a mainstream culture leading the paradigm of the global music industry," Chae said in a statement. He pledged continued government support to expand the sector's ecosystem.
First established in 1974, the fan-voted American Music Awards stand as one of the big three musical honors in the United States. The unprecedented 11-category haul reflects a reality where Korean pop influence is no longer just competing on the fringes, but commanding attention at the center of the American mainstream.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
