▲ BTS accepts the Artist of the Year during the American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25, 2026, in this Reuters' photo. (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, May 27 (Yonhap) -- Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young on Wednesday sent congratulatory messages to K-pop artists, including BTS, for their wins at the American Music Awards, the culture ministry said.

 

Choi praised BTS for announcing their "complete return" to the global music scene and reaffirming their "irreplaceable presence" through the latest achievements.

 

"The accomplishment is especially meaningful in that it once again demonstrated BTS' unmatched influence in the global music industry," Choi said in the message. "Winning three awards, including the top honor 'Artist of the Year,' will remain a meaningful milestone in the history of popular music."

 

He added that K-pop has now gone beyond being a temporary trend to establish itself as mainstream culture leading the global music industry and serving as a symbol of hope and solidarity.

 

"We will continue efforts to broaden the foundation of popular music and foster a healthier industrial ecosystem so that K-pop's remarkable achievements can continue," he said.

 

At the American Music Awards held Wednesday in the United States, BTS won three prizes, including the grand prize "Artist of the Year," as well as "Song of the Summer" and "Best Male K-pop Artist." It marked the group's second "Artist of the Year" victory at the ceremony following its 2021 win.

 

KATSEYE, the Korea-U.S. joint girl group formed by HYBE, also claimed three awards, taking home honors for new artist, "Breakthrough Pop Artist" and "Best Music Video."

 

 

▲ K-pop girl group Katseye accepts New Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25

 

In addition, "Golden," an original soundtrack song from the KPop Demon Hunters, won "Song of the Year," "Best Vocal Performance" and "Best Pop Song."

 

The song was performed by fictional K-pop group Huntrix featured in the animated film, with Korean American singer-songwriters EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna participating in the recording.

 

The American Music Awards is regarded as one of the three major U.S. popular music awards ceremonies alongside the Grammy Awards and the Billboard Music Awards. Winners are determined by fan voting.

 

▲ Korean American singers Rei Ami (L) and Ejae pose for photos during this year's American Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 25

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