BTS RM expresses gratitude over 2026 VMAs win as K-pop band skips ceremony

BTS leader RM has reacted to the K-pop band’s historic night at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

On Sunday, September 27, the boy band won Best K-Pop for SWIM and Best Group.

The song bagged an accolade in the category of Song of the Year as well, scoring victory in all three categories in which BTS was nominated.

BTS’ Swim was up against Ella Langley’s Choosin’ Texas, HUNTR/X’s Golden, Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter’s Bring Your Love, Olivia Dean’s Man I Need and RAYE’s WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!

While BTS were not present at the Los Angeles ceremony as the group continued their Arirang World Tour, Big Hit Music celebrated the victory on its official page with an official VMAs poster.

RM reacted to the announcement, reposting BTS Song of the Year for SWIM poster, and wrote “thank you” on the post.

J Hope, another member of the band, also celebrated the win by re-sharing the Best K-pop for SWIM victory announcement on his official Instagram Stories.

For the unversed, SWIM is the lead single from BTS’ fifth full-length album ARIRANG, which was released in March.

RM, who was one of the songwriters of the track, described how everyone faces different weights and crashing waves in life, but the key is that you must "swim through it" and keep pushing forward.

Meanwhile, its music video, directed by Tanu Muiño, featuring the seven members of BTS alongside actress Lili Reinhart, depicts the band holding a ship's helm and ropes symbolizing balance, guidance, and helping someone navigate through past struggles and future unknowns.