The 2025 VMAs have sparked controversy in the K-pop category after BTS members Jin and J-Hope were excluded from the nominations, despite releasing globally successful singles
J-hope
The VMAs 2025 nominees were announced, but the focus swiftly switched to a brewing controversy in the K-pop category. The exclusion of BTS members Jin and J-Hope from the list of Video Music Awards 2025 has provoked significant emotions from fans, while the full inclusion of BLACKPINK members has sparked controversy regarding fairness and eligibility requirements.
Jin and J-Hope, members of BTS, released individual tunes that were favorably received around the world. Jin's Heart on the Window and Don't Say You Love Me received a tremendous worldwide response and a large number of streams. According to fans, the songs performed and sold better on the charts than several of the current nominees.
Regardless, neither Jin nor J-Hope were nominated. This has created anxiety among BTS fans, particularly ARMYs, who believe the snub was not merit-based.
Netizens react to why J-Hope wasn't nominated
Fans have taken to social media to challenge the nominations process. One X fan claimed Jin and J-hope had "better chart results than more than half of this list" and urged the VMAs to reveal the nomination process.
Another tweet said, "Did the rules change, or is something else going on?" Fans pointed out that J-hope and Jin's chart position, streams, and sales outperformed many of the current finalists, but they received no acknowledgement. One of them also wrote, "Genuinely wondering how J-Hope didn’t get nominated for 'Best K-Pop' when he was the highest-charting K-pop soloist on Billboard this year, and his recent singles went viral across every major platform.
. @MTV @vmas Genuinely wondering how j-hope didn’t get nominated for 'Best K-Pop' when he was the highest-charting K-pop soloist on Billboard this year, and his recent singles went viral across every major platform.
— Tannie’s Heaven⁷ ⟭⟬E ARE B⟬⟭CK 💜 (@yamadashiiii) August 5, 2025
. @MTV @vmas Genuinely wondering how j-hope didn’t get nominated for 'Best K-Pop' when he was the highest-charting K-pop soloist on Billboard this year, and his recent singles went viral across every major platform. pic.twitter.com/kvY1mJlqlO
— HOPE BASE (@JHPOPBASE) August 5, 2025
I’m so fvckin happy that Jimin is nominated. And I’m infuriated and utterly frustrated that the other members, specially Hobi, are not nominated. I’m gonna channel this anger and frustration into voting and make sure that Jimin takes that award home
— Bora (@mintchocok00kie) August 5, 2025
Some fans believe that industry politics may have influenced the nominee list. BLACKPINK's agency, YG Entertainment, has sparked discussion about its possible participation in determining the nominees.
Fans also call VMAs biased
The situation has sparked broader debate about how major award shows make nominations and if external influence can impact who is chosen.
As discussions spread across channels, followers continue to demand answers. The VMAs have yet to officially respond to the criticism or explain how nominations were decided. Meanwhile, calls for transparency are becoming louder.
This year's K-pop nominees have highlighted divisions among the fanbase community and prompted concerns about the fairness of worldwide music recognition.
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