By Charles Audouin
Video = MTV

In a first for K-pop, Rosé of the girl group BLACKPINK on Sept. 7 won Song of the Year for "APT.," her hit with Bruno Mars, at the MTV Video Music Awards held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

Donning a gold colored dress on stage, she expressed her gratitude to Mars in her acceptance speech, saying, "Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me build this world together."

Rosé called her honor "a really big moment for 16-year-old me and anyone else who has dreamed of being accepted equally for their hard work," adding, "I accept this award proudly because it has come with the hard work and discipline of my extremely hardworking team."

Inspired by the Korean drinking game, "APT." was released in October last year and stayed on Billboard's main singles chart Hot 100 for 45 consecutive weeks.

BLACKPINK also won Best Group, meaning Rosé took home two awards. Fellow BLACKPINK member Lisa won Best K-Pop for the song "Born Again" with U.S. singer Doja Cat and British singer-songwriter Raye.

Katseye, a K-pop girl group comprising members of several nationalities, won Push Performance of the Year for "Touch."

caudouin@korea.kr