The 2022 MTV VMAS set the internet on fire, creating viral moments such as Nicki Minaj’s iconic medley performance and Taylor Swift’s surprise album announcement during her Video of the Year acceptance speech. However, the most invested viewers may have been the Kpop fans who tuned in to the New Jersey awards show from around the world on August 28! I was lucky enough to attend the show in person and meet some dedicated fans, some of whom waited hours to see their favorite artists bring home awards.

BLACKPINK stole the crowd’s heart from the moment they arrived on the red carpet. The Kpop girl group, consisting of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, made their United States award show debut with a captivating performance of their new single “Pink Venom.” The entire Prudential Center arena felt the power of BLACKPINK, with many fans and artists dancing and singing along throughout the performance. BLACKPINK made history as the first Kpop girl group to perform at the VMAS. 

I also loved seeing Blinks (BLACKPINK fans) with merchandise, including shirts, stickers, and the iconic BLACKPINK hammer-shaped lightsticks. The group had multiple nominations this year and brought home an award for “Best Metaverse Performance” for a recent concert held in the video game PUBG. Their youngest member, Lisa, won the “Best Kpop” award for her solo single ‘Lalisa.’

Other Kpop groups did not attend the VMAs in person due to prior commitments. BTS, often called “the biggest boy band in the world,” also received multiple nominations along with SEVENTEEN, a fellow HYBE Kpop group. Amazingly, BTS claimed the “Group of the Year” award for the fourth year in a row! SEVENTEEN, currently on tour, virtually accepted their award for “Push Performance of the Year.” Other Kpop nominees included ITZY, Stray Kids, TWICE, and BTS member Jungkook for his solo project with Charlie Puth called ‘Left and Right.’ The 2022 Video Music Awards brought more Kpop music to Western media. I hope to see the audience continue to grow for international music. 

What was your favorite moment from the 2022 MTV Awards? Let us know on Twitter!