Most Prestigious Awards Won by Korean & Kpop Artists for the First Time
Tier 1: The “Elite Grand Slam” (Cultural Immortality)
These are the most prestigious honors a human can receive in entertainment. They are voted on by peers and experts, not fans.
BRITs
🏆 BLACKPINK (2019) – first Kpop Act to win gold certificate
🏆 ROSÉ (2026) – first Kpop Artist to win a SOTY (physical award & main category)
GRAMMYs
🏆 EJAE (2026) – first Kpop Act
🏆 Teddy Park (2026) – first Kpop Producer
OSCARs
🏆 Parasite (2020) – first Korean movie
🏆 EJAE (2026) – first Kpop Artist
🏆 Teddy Park (2026) – first Kpop producer
CANNES
🏆 JISOO (2026) – first Asian Act to win Madame Figaro Rising Star
MBE
🏆 ROSÉ (2023) – first & only Kpop (Non-British) Act to win substantive (full) MBE
🏆 JISOO, JENNIE, LISA (2023) – first & only Kpop (Non-British) Act to win honorary MBE
Golden Globe
🏆 EJAE (2026) – first Kpop Artist
CLIO
🏆 BLACKPINK (2020) – first Kpop Artist & Group
🏆 LISA (2025) – first Kpop Soloist
EMMYs
🏆 Lee Jungjae (2022) – first Asian Act (Squid Game)
Tony Awards
🏆 Maybe Happy Ending (2025) – first Korean Theatre
Tier 2: The “Market Giants” (Western Mainstream Power)
These awards prove an artist is a commercial titan in the US and UK markets.
VMAs
🏆 BTS (2019) – first Kpop Group to win BEST KPOP
🏆 LISA (2022) – first Kpop Soloist to win BEST KPOP
🏆 ROSÉ (2025) – first Kpop Artist to win a SOTY (main category)
AMAs
🏆 BTS (2018) – first Kpop Group
BBMAs
🏆 PSY (2013) – first Kpop Soloist
🏆 BTS (2017) – first Kpop Group
Billboard Women In Music
🏆 TWICE (2023) – first Kpop Group
🏆 JENNIE (2025) – first Kpop Soloist
Tier 3: The “Global Reach” (Regional & Cultural Dominance)
These ceremonies signify that an artist has successfully “conquered” a specific continent or cultural demographic.
EMAs
🏆 BIGBANG (2011) – first Kpop Group
🏆 PSY (2012) – first Kpop Soloist
MTV Iggy
🏆 2NE1 (2011) – first Kpop Act
Tier 4: The “Fandom Powerhouses” (Public Choice)
These awards are the ultimate proof of digital engagement and fan loyalty.
E! People’s Choice Awards
🏆 BTS (2018) – first Kpop Group
🏆 JUNGKOOK (2022) – first Kpop Soloist
Teen Choice Awards
🏆 Super Junior (2015) – first Kpop Act
🏆 Jackson Wang (2018) – first Kpop Soloist
made by irem
Did I miss any award? Feel free to comment below!
