Rosé, the internationally renowned vocalist best known as a member of the trailblazing girl group BLACKPINK, has just achieved a landmark victory that not only highlights her personal artistry but also represents a historic accomplishment for the global rise of K-pop. The New Zealand–born and South Korea–raised singer secured the coveted title of “Song of the Year” at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday evening, earning the distinguished honor for her widely celebrated collaboration “APT” with American superstar Bruno Mars.
The track “APT,” released in 2024 as the lead single from Rosé’s debut solo album *Rosie*, quickly struck a chord with vast international audiences. Its irresistible melody, paired with playful and charming lyrics that revolve around a popular Korean drinking game, created a cross-cultural appeal that resonated far beyond K-pop’s traditional fanbase. The single’s impact was measurable in its commercial performance: it dominated the Billboard Global Excluding U.S. chart, maintaining the number one position for an impressive fifteen consecutive weeks, a feat underscoring Rosé’s ability to merge mainstream accessibility with uniquely Korean cultural references.
What makes this win particularly significant is that it marks the very first time a K-pop song has been recognized with the “Song of the Year” award in the history of the VMAs. The accolade places Rosé in the lineage of notable past winners, such as Sabrina Carpenter, who won in 2024 with her viral hit “Espresso,” and Olivia Rodrigo, who captured widespread acclaim in 2021 with her anthemic ballad “Driver’s License.” Rosé’s victory therefore signifies not only personal achievement but also a broader breakthrough for the visibility and legitimacy of K-pop on one of the most prestigious global music stages.
During the emotional acceptance moment, Rosé—whose birth name is Roseanne Park—stood visibly moved by the occasion. Fighting back tears, she expressed profound gratitude toward Bruno Mars, describing him as her “absolute idol,” and acknowledging the faith he placed in her throughout their collaborative journey. She went on to dedicate the award in part to her teenage self, specifically her sixteen-year-old self who once dreamed of pursuing music on a global scale. In her words, she sought to inspire those who have followed her growth as an artist, emphasizing that she stands as a vessel for the dreams of fans who hoped she could create meaningful change. Her speech struck an empowering note as she concluded by affirming her self-worth: declaring that the recognition by MTV proved that there was “no imposter in the world,” she received resounding applause from the crowd for her sincerity and resilience. She made sure also to honor her fellow BLACKPINK members—Jennie, Lisa, and Jisoo—publicly thanking them for their unwavering support and bond that have shaped her career.
For the glamorous occasion, Rosé opted for a butter-yellow gown adorned with a shimmering finish that reflected the stage lights with radiant elegance. Complementing this centerpiece outfit were refined accessories, including a diamond tennis bracelet as well as delicate dangling earrings, underscoring her timeless and sophisticated sense of style that consistently draws admiration across both fashion and entertainment industries.
The recognition at the VMAs coincides with Rosé’s ongoing solo successes. Her debut album *Rosie*, upon its release in December of 2024, made a notable commercial impact. According to Billboard, it sold an impressive 102,000 equivalent album units in its premiere week, with physical album sales reaching the considerable figure of 70,000. Such numbers indicate her ability to transition seamlessly from group member to solo force, gaining traction across diverse markets.
Rosé’s win reflects a broader cultural momentum for K-pop artists expanding their reach into Western pop markets, fashion scenes, and beyond. Stray Kids member Felix Lee, for instance, has crossed into luxury fashion, walking in March as a runway model and brand ambassador for the prestigious fashion conglomerate LVMH. Similarly, the boy band Seventeen has been amplifying its influence in the U.S. through an ambitious tour and solo collaborations, with prominent members like Joshua Hong launching individual tracks. Other members, such as group leader S.Coups and rapper Mingyu, have also ventured into fashion collaborations, partnering with globally renowned brands like Calvin Klein and Hugo Boss. Additionally, emerging groups such as Katseye, a girl group under Hybe Entertainment, have been gaining momentum among Gen Z audiences, further accentuating K-pop’s cross-industry significance.
Meanwhile, Rosé continues to juggle her individual successes with her commitments to BLACKPINK. She is currently performing as part of the group’s expansive “Deadline” world tour, which has scheduled over thirty stops across Asia, North America, and Europe, reinforcing the group’s unparalleled global star power. At the time of reporting, representatives for YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK’s management agency, had not provided an official comment on the singer’s latest milestone.
Rosé’s triumph at the 2025 VMAs thus represents far more than an individual accolade. It symbolizes a shift in how K-pop is perceived and accepted in mainstream Western culture, celebrating the ability of music to transcend linguistic and geographical barriers. It is at once a deeply personal achievement for Rosé and a universal moment of recognition for an entire genre that continues to reshape the contours of global entertainment.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/blackpink-rose-unprecedented-win-kpop-vmas-best-song-apt-2025-9
