K-pop is once again dominating the MTV Video Music Awards conversation. On September 18, MTV revealed its fan-voted “social category” nominees for the 2026 VMAs — and BTS, BLACKPINK, CORTIS, and KATSEYE all scored fresh nods, adding to nominations they’d already picked up elsewhere this awards season.
Table of Contents
K-Pop Full Nomination Breakdown
| Category | Nominees |
|---|---|
| Best Group | BTS, BLACKPINK, CORTIS, KATSEYE, FLO, Fuerza Regida, Geese, Twenty One Pilots |
| Song of the Summer | Jennie (“Dracula” with Tame Impala), KATSEYE (“Hootie Frutti”), and others |
These are among four “social categories” that MTV determines purely through fan voting rather than internal committee selection — meaning these wins will come down entirely to how hard fandoms mobilize over the next few weeks.
How Voting Works
Fans have a tight window to make their voices heard. Voting for Best Group runs from September 21 at 11 a.m. ET to September 24 at 11 a.m. ET, exclusively through MTV’s Instagram Stories. Song of the Summer voting follows shortly after, running from September 26 at 11 a.m. ET to September 27 at 11 a.m. ET — closing just hours before the ceremony itself.
Why This Nomination Wave Matters
This isn’t the first time these four acts have shown up on this year’s VMA ballot. BTS, BLACKPINK, CORTIS, and KATSEYE had already secured nominations in other competitive categories, including Best K-Pop, making this a second wave of recognition that further cements K-pop’s dominant presence at one of music’s biggest global award shows.
Jennie’s nomination for “Dracula” also highlights her growing solo momentum, following her genre-blending collaboration with psychedelic rock artist Tame Impala — a pairing that’s brought her sound to a broader crossover audience beyond typical K-pop fandoms.
When Do The VMAs Air?
Mark your calendars: the 2026 MTV VMAs will air live on September 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET, meaning fans have just over a week to rally votes across every eligible category before winners are crowned on the night.
For more K-pop awards coverage, nomination trackers, and music industry updates, check out related coverage on TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q1. When does voting close for the 2026 MTV VMAs Best Group category?
Fan voting runs from September 21 to September 24 at 11 a.m. ET, exclusively via MTV’s Instagram Stories.
Q2. Which K-pop acts are nominated for Song of the Summer?
BLACKPINK’s Jennie (for “Dracula” with Tame Impala) and KATSEYE (for “Hootie Frutti”) are both nominated in this category.
