iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025: ATEEZ Beats BTS’ Jimin, BLACKPINK’s Lisa to Win K-pop Artist of the Year

The iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025 was a grand celebration of music, with K-pop stars stealing the spotlight in major categories. Held on March 17, 2025, in Los Angeles, the event saw some of the biggest names in the K-pop industry battling it out for top honors.

Among the most exciting wins of the night, ATEEZ took home the K-pop Artist of the Year award, defeating major stars like BTS’ Jimin and BLACKPINK’s Lisa. The fourth-generation group also triumphed over fellow nominees aespa and ENHYPEN in the same category, solidifying their position as a top-tier global act.

ATEEZ Wins K-pop Artist of the Year

The members of ATEEZ—Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho— had an unforgettable night as they won the biggest K-pop award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025.

The group, known for their high-energy performances and unique music style, faced stiff competition from K-pop superstars like Jimin and Lisa, who have dominated the industry for years. Despite this, ATEEZ’s growing global fanbase and their impressive musical achievements led them to a well-deserved victory.

Their hit track “Ice on My Teeth” played a crucial role in their success, proving their popularity and influence in the industry. Fans took to social media to celebrate the win, with one fan tweeting, “ATEEZ did that! K-pop Artist of the Year, and they deserve it all!”

BTS’ Jimin Wins K-pop Song of the Year

While Jimin missed out on the K-pop Artist of the Year award, the BTS superstar still had a triumphant night. His hit single “Who” from his second album “Muse” won the K-pop Song of the Year category.

Jimin was up against some of the biggest songs of the year, including:

• Stray Kids – “Chk Chk Boom”
• ILLIT – “Magnetic”
• aespa – “Supernova”
• ENHYPEN – “XO (Only If You Say Yes)”

Despite the tough competition, Jimin’s soulful vocals and deep lyrics made “Who” a fan favorite, securing him the prestigious award.

ILLIT Wins Best New K-pop Artist

The competition was equally fierce in the Best New K-pop Artist category. The fresh HYBE girl group ILLIT emerged victorious, defeating strong contenders like:

• BABYMONSTER
• BADVILLAIN
• NCT WISH
• TWS

Their hit song “Magnetic” played a significant role in their win, as it became a viral sensation shortly after its release. Fans of the rookie group celebrated the win, calling it a “historic moment” for ILLIT.

Stray Kids Bags K-pop Album of the Year

It was also a huge night for Stray Kids, as their album “ATE” won the K-pop Album of the Year category. The JYP Entertainment boy group has been making waves in the global music scene, and this win further proved their dominance.

With tracks that blend powerful beats and unique musical elements, “ATE” became one of the most streamed K-pop albums of the year, making it a deserving winner.

TXT’s Yeonjun Wins Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge

A brand-new category was introduced at this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards: Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge. The winner? TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s (TXT) Yeonjun with his solo debut “GGUM”.

This category was fiercely competitive, featuring viral hits such as:

• SEVENTEEN – “Maestro”
• ILLIT – “Magnetic”
• LE SSERAFIM – “Smart”
• Kiss of Life – “Sticky”
• aespa – “Supernova”
• KATSEYE – “Touch”
• Karina (aespa) – “UP”
• ATEEZ – “Work”
• ENHYPEN – “XO (Only If You Say Yes)”

Despite the strong lineup, Yeonjun’s GGUM dance challenge took social media by storm, making him the fan-favorite winner in this exciting new category.

Other K-pop Nominations at iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025

K-pop stars also made their mark in non-K-pop-specific categories at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

1. Best Lyrics
   • Jimin’s “Who” was nominated in this fan-voted category, competing against major global artists.
2. Best Music Video
   • BLACKPINK’s Rosé’s “APT” (feat. Bruno Mars)
   • Lisa’s “Rockstar”
   • However, Taylor Swift and Post Malone’s “Fortnight” took home the award.
3. Favorite On-Screen Performance
   • BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook were nominated for their Disney+ mini-series Are You Sure?!
   • However, Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) won the award in this category.

FAQs