BTS member RM has been honored with the Favorite K-Pop Artist award at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMA). This win makes him the first K-pop solo artist to claim the title in the Favorite Artist category, setting a new milestone in his music career. The AMA, one of the top three music awards in the U.S., announced the result on May 26 through its official website during the event at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. This achievement also marks RM’s rare success as both a solo artist and a group member of BTS, making him the first K-pop artist to be recognized in both roles.
Tough Competition in 2025
The Favorite K-Pop Artist category was launched in 2022. This year, the nominees included fellow BTS member Jimin, Rosé from BLACKPINK, ATEEZ, and Stray Kids. For the first time, both RM and Jimin were nominated as solo performers.
The AMAs, founded in 1974, celebrate artists who had a big impact over the past year. Alongside the Grammys and Billboard Music Awards, it is considered one of the most respected music awards in the U.S.
BTS and the AMAs: A Strong Bond
BTS has a rich history with the AMAs. In 2017, they became the first Korean group to perform at the event. From 2018 to 2022, they won awards five years in a row, including Artist of the Year in 2021.
Meanwhile, BTS member Jin’s solo track “Don’t Say You Love Me” hit No. 1 on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global chart on May 25, proving the group’s ongoing global popularity even during their hiatus.
RM Thanks Fans Despite Military Duty
Though RM couldn’t attend the awards ceremony because he is currently serving in the South Korean military, he celebrated online. He shared the AMAs post on Instagram Stories with the message: “Thank you @amas #ARMY” followed by a kissing emoji. Later, he posted a Yonhap News article and gave fans an exciting update about BTS’s return, “It will be soon, seriously, soon.”
Fans Celebrate RM's Big Moment
As soon as the winners were announced, BTS fans (ARMY) filled social media with joyful messages. One fan wrote, “OMG, I’m so happy for him.” Another added, “Yaaaayyy!!! Congratulations, RM! BTS Leader wins the first K-pop award.”
Many praised RM’s legacy with comments like, “RM PAVED THE WAY. HISTORY MAKER RM.” “Big congrats, Joon!!! Barracks can’t hold down your goatness. Keep thriving, and I can’t wait to see you.”
The official BTS Instagram page also celebrated the win, posting, “Thank you for your love and support. #BTSARMY” with their signature purple heart emoji.
RM’s Solo Career and Film Work
After BTS announced their hiatus in 2022, RM released his first solo album, Indigo, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. In May 2024, he dropped his second album, Right Place, Wrong Person, which also gained wide popularity.
Before beginning his military service, he appeared in a documentary titled RM: Right People, Wrong Place, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival.
BTS Members Set to Return Soon
BTS members will soon complete their military service. RM and V are scheduled to be discharged on June 10, 2025. Jungkook will follow on June 11, and Suga is expected to finish his duty on June 21.