aespa achieved a historic milestone at VMAJ 2025 by winning four major awards, including Artist of the Year. Their remarkable success highlights their growing influence, particularly in Japan, where they continue to break records and expand their fanbase. Fans and analysts credit their strong concept, refined storytelling, and powerful performances for their international rise.
aespa at VMAJ 2025: A Historic Victory
aespa proved their growing influence in Japan by winning four awards at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2025 (VMAJ 2025). The event took place at K-Arena Yokohama on the 19th. They won Artist of the Year and three other categories: Best Group Video (International) for “Whiplash,” Best Dance Video for “Supernova,” and Best K-Pop Video for “Armageddon.” This made them the first female artists in VMAJ history to achieve such a feat.
VMAJ 2025 Honors aespa with Four Awards
aespa expressed their gratitude to their Japanese fans, MY, saying they were happy to see their music reach so many people. Following their speech, they performed “Whiplash” on stage. Their powerful performance further solidified their presence in the Japanese market.
Other Major Winners at VMAJ 2025
Several other K-pop and J-pop artists also shined at the event. XG won two awards, including Best Visual Effects for “WOKE UP” and Performance of the Year. Their producer JAKOPS (SIMON JUNHO PARK) received Producer of the Year. BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars won Best Collaboration Video (International) for “APT.” Meanwhile, &TEAM, under HYBE’s Japanese label YX LABELS, won Best Buzz Artist, and the virtual K-pop group PLAVE received Best K-STAR Rookie.
J-Pop Groups and Other Big Winners
Japanese entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM made a strong impact through its label LAPONE Entertainment. Their artists won multiple awards, including Best New Artist Video (Japan) for ME:I’s “Click”, Best Choreography for INI’s “WMDA”, and Best Asia Group for JO1. IS:SUE was named Upcoming Dance & Vocal Group. The night’s biggest winner was Mrs. GREEN APPLE, who took home Video of the Year along with three other trophies.
aespa, VMAJ 2025, and Global Success
Discussions on online communities like instiz highlighted aespa’s increasing success overseas. Their song “Whiplash” became their fifth million-seller, and they achieved 1 billion cumulative Spotify streams for the 12th time. Although aespa is popular in China and Southeast Asia, their growth in Japan stands out. Analysts believe this isn’t due to targeted marketing but rather a result of their overall global rise.
Debate on aespa’s Concept and Global Appeal
Fans believe aespa’s strong concept played a key role in their overseas success. Many argue that Western audiences prefer bold, intense styles over softer, cutesy approaches that work in Korea. Additionally, some suggest that simplifying their complex storyline helped improve their performance. However, others counter this, saying global fans also appreciate easy-listening tracks. The success of Jungkook’s “Seven” and FIFTY FIFTY’s “Cupid” proves that softer songs can also perform well internationally.
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i hope giselle will be able to direct a japanese aespa song one day !!!!!!