Rosé winning Best International Song at the BRIT Awards 2026 marks a landmark moment for Korean musicians overseas as the BLACKPINK star is the first K-pop artist to take home a win at the U.K.’s biggest night for music.
Rosé’s mega-hit collaboration with Bruno Mars “APT.” was named Best International Song, beating out a stacked category that included Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild,” Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” and 11 other cross-continental smashes.
Visibly moved and excited, the Tiffany & Co’s global ambassador accepted the trophy in person and addressed the crowd in a stunning asymmetric black gown and a few pieces from the luxury brand.
“Oh my gosh it is such an honor to be receiving this award in front of so many talented and admirable musicians in the U.K.” she told the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England. “There are so many people I want to thank. First of all, Bruno — I’m receiving this award on behalf of the both of us — thank you so much for everything. For being my biggest mentor and best friend, I love you so much. So many people to thank! I’d love to thank my Atlantic [Records] family for believing in me always, love you guys so much.”
Just as Rosé and her BLACKPINK band mates made a record-smashing return with their new album DEADLINE, the 29-year-old made sure to mention the group with whom she began her music career, as well as the main musical producer behind BLACKPINK’s sound.
“I would like to give a shoutout to BLACKPINK,” Rosé added, eliciting loads of cheers from the crowd. “Jennie, Jisoo and Lisa, I love you guys so much. Thank you for always inspiring me, I love you guys so much. Teddy oppa, I love you so much. Thank you so much, this means so much.”
BTS were the first Korean act to enter into BRITs consciousness with a breakthrough nomination in 2021 for International Group of the Year (ultimately losing to HAIM) and shortlisted again in the category in 2022 (losing to Silk Sonic).
Later, BLACKPINK became the first female K-pop group to be nominated at the BRITs, scoring a nod in International Group of the Year in 2023, ultimately losing out to the Fontaines D.C. that year.
K-pop had even more representation at this year’s BRIT Awards with KPop Demon Hunters group HUNTR/X consisting of EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami also nominated not just for Best International Song with “Golden” but International Group of the Year.
While the trio didn’t take home any trophies, EJAE, Audrey, and Rei performed their nominated hit at the awards, marking the KDH stars’ biggest awards show moment to date, with highlights from the Netflix film playing behind them.
Zooming out from the K-pop highlights at this year’s BRIT Awards, the 2026 Grammys’ Best New Artist and neo-soul breakout Olivia Dean swept every category she was nominated in for the night, while rock singer-songwriter Sam Fender also took home two wins.
Other winners throughout the night included Lola Young, PinkPantheress, Wolf Alice, Skepta, Rosalía, the late Ozzy Osbourne and more.
Source: Forbes
--Agencies
