MTV VMAs 2019: BTS win best group and best K-pop video – but it wasn’t without controversy
- BTS won the inaugural award for best K-pop video. The award was criticised by some K-pop fans
- Taylor Swift won video of the year for You Need to Calm Down; Ariana Grande picked up artist of the year; best new artist went to Billie Eilish
South Korean superstars BTS have won the MTV Video Music Awards’ inaugural award for best K-pop video for their song Boy With Luv, as well as the award for best group.
The MTV award for best K-pop video has proved controversial, with many fans accusing the music video giant of segregating South Korean artists from the main awards. BTS did not attend Monday’s ceremony in Newark, New Jersey.
BTS were nominated for best K-pop video alongside Blackpink (for Kill This Love), Monsta X ft. French Montana (Who Do You Love), Tomorrow X Together (Cat & Dog), NCT 127 (Regular) and Exo (Tempo).
The main award – for video of the year – went to Taylor Swift for You Need to Calm Down.
Full list of winners:
Video of the year: Taylor Swift, You Need to Calm Down
Artist of the year: Ariana Grande
Song of the year: Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, Old Town Road (Remix)
Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Missy Elliott
Best new artist: Billie Eilish
Best collaboration: Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, Senorita
Best group: BTS
Push artist of the year: Billie Eilish
Best pop: Jonas Brothers, Sucker
Best hip-hop: Cardi B, Money
Best R&B: Normani featuring 6lack, Waves
Best Latin: Rosalia and J Balvin featuring El Guincho, Con Altura
Best dance: The Chainsmokers and Bebe Rexha, Call You Mine
Best rock: Panic! at the Disco, High Hopes
Best K-pop : BTS featuring Halsey, Boy With Luv
Video for good: Taylor Swift, You Need to Calm Down
Song of summer: Ariana Grande and Social House, Boyfriend
Best power anthem: Megan Thee Stallion featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, Hot Girl Summer
Best direction: Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, Old Town Road (Remix)
Best editing: Billie Eilish, Bad Guy
Best visual effects: Taylor Swift featuring Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco, ME!
Best art direction: Ariana Grande, 7 Rings
Best choreography: Rosalia and J Balvin featuring El Guincho, Con Altura
Best cinematography: Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, Senorita
Fashion Trailblazer Award: Marc Jacobs
