In a groundbreaking moment for K-pop, BLACKPINK’s Rosé became the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year at the MTV VMAs, taking home the coveted Moon Person for her collaboration “APT.” with Bruno Mars. But it was her deeply personal acceptance speech that truly stole the show, as she quoted her therapist, saying “As my therapist tells me to do every day, I’d like to thank myself for not giving up even in the toughest of times.”
The historic win at the UBS Arena in New York on September 7, 2025, represents more than just a chart-topping success – it’s a testament to perseverance, mental health awareness, and breaking cultural barriers in the global music industry.
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Historic BLACKPINK K-Pop Victory at 2025 VMAs
BLACKPINK member Rosé won Song of the Year for “APT.” at the 2025 VMAs, becoming the first K-pop act to take home the award. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing global expansion of Korean pop music, proving that K-pop artists can compete at the highest levels of Western music recognition.
The win comes after Blackpink’s Rosé began the night as an eight-time nominee at the MTV VMAs, making her victory even more significant given the competitive field she faced.
Rosé’s 2025 VMA Journey: From Nominations to Victory
| Category | Status | Achievement | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Song of the Year | WON | “APT.” with Bruno Mars | First K-pop artist to win |
| Total Nominations | 8 Categories | Multiple recognitions | Highest for K-pop solo artist |
| Collaboration Impact | Global Success | Cross-cultural achievement | East-West music fusion |
| Career Milestone | Historic Win | VMA Moon Person | Breaking industry barriers |
This comprehensive recognition showcases Rosé’s versatility as both a BLACKPINK member and successful solo artist.
The Power of Vulnerability: Mental Health Awareness
What made Rosé’s speech particularly powerful was her openness about mental health and therapy. “This is a really big moment for 16-year-old me and anyone else who has dreamed of being accepted equally for their hard work. As my therapist tells me to do every day, I’d like to thank myself for not giving up even in the toughest of times.”
Her willingness to publicly acknowledge therapy normalizes mental health support, especially important given the intense pressures faced by K-pop artists. The message resonates deeply with fans who struggle with similar challenges.
Bruno Mars Collaboration: A Perfect Partnership
Blackpink star Rosé took home the MTV Video Music Awards’ Moon Person for ‘Apt.,’ her hit with her ‘idol and incredible teacher’ Bruno Mars. The collaboration between the K-pop superstar and the American Grammy winner created a cross-cultural phenomenon that dominated charts worldwide.
The partnership demonstrated how music transcends cultural boundaries when artists respect and complement each other’s strengths, creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
Discover more about K-pop’s global impact and artist achievements through our comprehensive entertainment coverage featuring the latest industry trends and breakthrough moments.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
In her emotional speech, “And to all those who watched me grow into the artist I am today and placed their dreams in me to make this change. Every single one of you has put me here and now I believe there is no imposter in the world when MTV has given me this award here at the VMAs.”
This candid admission about imposter syndrome highlights the psychological challenges even successful artists face, making her victory even more meaningful for fans dealing with similar self-doubt.
Industry Impact and Cultural Significance
Rosé’s historic win opens doors for future K-pop artists at major Western award shows. Her success proves that language and cultural barriers can be overcome through authentic artistry and genuine collaboration.
The win also validates the growing global appetite for diverse musical expressions, encouraging more cross-cultural collaborations in the industry.
Fan Reactions and Global Celebration
The victory sparked massive celebrations across social media platforms, with BLINKs (BLACKPINK fans) and music lovers worldwide praising both the historic achievement and Rosé’s vulnerable, inspiring message about perseverance.
Her therapist quote particularly resonated, with fans sharing their own mental health journeys and finding inspiration in her openness about seeking professional support.
Stay updated with the latest K-pop achievements and mental health advocacy in entertainment through our detailed music industry coverage featuring artist spotlights and cultural impact analysis.
Looking Forward: Breaking More Barriers
This victory positions Rosé as a trailblazer for future K-pop artists seeking recognition in Western markets. Her approach – combining artistic excellence with authentic vulnerability – creates a blueprint for sustainable success.
The win also reinforces the importance of mental health awareness in the entertainment industry, encouraging more artists to prioritize their psychological well-being.
For more updates on K-pop achievements and mental health advocacy in entertainment, explore our extensive artist coverage featuring breakthrough moments and cultural impact stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Rosé’s MTV VMA win historically significant for K-pop?
A: Rosé became the first K-pop artist to win Song of the Year at the MTV VMAs for “APT.” featuring Bruno Mars. This breakthrough achievement represents a major milestone in K-pop’s global recognition, proving that Korean artists can compete at the highest levels of Western music awards and opening doors for future K-pop acts.
Q: Why did Rosé quote her therapist in her acceptance speech?
A: Rosé quoted her therapist to promote mental health awareness and vulnerability, saying “As my therapist tells me to do every day, I’d like to thank myself for not giving up even in the toughest of times.” This openness helps normalize therapy and mental health support, especially important given the intense pressures K-pop artists face, inspiring fans dealing with similar challenges.
