VMAs 2025 nominations were announced, but the spotlight quickly shifted to a growing controversy in the K-pop category. The absence of BTS members Jin and J-Hope from the list of Video Music Awards 2025 has triggered strong reactions from fans, while the full inclusion of BLACKPINK members has sparked debate over fairness and selection criteria.
VMAs 2025 Nominations: All Four BLACKPINK Members Receive Solo Nominations
The Best K-Pop category at the 2025 VMAs includes seven entries. Among them are solo releases by all four BLACKPINK members:
- Like Jennie by Jennie
- Earthquake by Jisoo
- Born Again by Lisa (featuring Doja Cat and Raye)
- Toxic Till the End by Rosé
The other nominees in the category are:
- Whiplash by Aespa
- Who by BTS's Jimin
- Chk Chk Boom by Stray Kids
This lineup means BLACKPINK dominates the category through individual solo projects, while only one BTS member, Jimin, made it to the nominations list.
Jin and J-Hope's Absence Sparks Backlash
BTS members Jin and J-Hope released solo tracks that performed well globally. Jin’s Heart on the Window and Don't Say You Love Me gained strong international response and large streaming numbers. According to fans, the songs received better chart performance and sales than several nominees on the current list.
Despite this, neither Jin nor J-Hope were nominated. This has caused concern within the BTS fanbase, especially among ARMYs who feel the snub was not based on merit.
ARMY Demands Transparency from VMAs
Fans have taken to social media to question the nomination process. One fan on X wrote that Jin had “better chart results than more than half of this list” and called on the VMAs to disclose the nomination criteria.
Another tweet asked, “Did the rules change, or is something else going on?” Fans pointed out that Jin’s chart position, streams, and sales were more impressive than many of the current nominees, yet he received no recognition.
Allegations of Industry Bias Surface
Some fans have suggested that industry politics may have influenced the nomination list. Attention is being directed toward BLACKPINK’s agency, YG Entertainment, with speculation about its possible role in shaping the nominations.
The situation has raised larger questions about how decisions are made for major award shows and whether external influence can affect who gets nominated.
Jimin’s Nomination Receives Support
While the exclusion of other BTS members has caused frustration, fans expressed support for Jimin, who was nominated for his track Who. Many called on fellow ARMYs to rally and vote for him as a form of solidarity and protest against the perceived bias in nominations.
One fan tweeted, “Let’s make sure we win this for Jimin,” while also voicing disappointment about the lack of recognition for Jin and J-Hope.
Call for Accountability Continues
As discussions grow across platforms, fans are continuing to press for answers. The VMAs have yet to publicly respond to the backlash or explain how nominations were determined. Meanwhile, calls for transparency are growing louder.
This year’s K-pop nominations have exposed tensions within the fandom community and raised questions about fairness in global music recognition.
FAQs
Why are BTS's Jin and J-Hope not nominated at the 2025 VMAs?
The VMAs have not disclosed criteria. Fans believe their strong solo performance deserved recognition and are demanding transparency from organisers.
Which BLACKPINK members received solo VMAs nominations in 2025?
Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé each received solo nominations for their tracks in the Best K-Pop category.
