The 2025 MTV VMAs are catching heat after awarding “Best K-Pop” to Born Again, a track performed in English by Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye. Fans quickly pointed out the obvious: when two-thirds of the artists aren’t Korean and the song isn’t even in Korean, how does it qualify as K-pop?
Social media erupted with frustration, calling the decision tone-deaf and yet another example of Western award shows reducing K-pop to a marketing gimmick. Critics argued that instead of honoring the Korean groups who actively define and evolve the genre, the VMAs handed the trophy to a track that doesn’t reflect K-pop’s roots at all.
This isn’t the first time the category has been under fire. For years, the VMAs have blurred the line between authentic recognition and clout-chasing, treating “K-pop” as a trendy label rather than respecting its cultural and musical foundation. Fans stressed that they’re not against collaborations, but giving “Best K-Pop” to what is essentially a global pop song feels dismissive to the artists truly shaping the genre.
The outrage makes one thing clear: if award shows want to celebrate K-pop, they need to start by actually understanding it. Otherwise, the category risks becoming a joke—and fans aren’t laughing.
