BLACKPINK’s Rosé Makes History as the First K-Pop Artist to Win a BRIT Award

Quick Summary
- Rosé has won the award for International Song of the Year at the 2026 BRIT Awards for her hit single "APT."
- This victory marks the first time any K-pop artist has received a trophy at the United Kingdom’s most prestigious music awards.
- The award-winning track is a collaboration with American superstar Bruno Mars that has seen massive global success.
What Happened
On February 28, 2026, the local music industry in the United Kingdom witnessed a historic moment. During the annual BRIT Awards held in Manchester, Rosé—a member of the global group BLACKPINK—was announced as the winner of the International Song of the Year category. This specific award recognizes the most impactful song released by a non-British artist over the past year.
Her winning track, "APT.", featuring Bruno Mars, beat out strong international competition to secure the win. The BRIT Awards, organized by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), are widely considered the UK equivalent of the Grammy Awards, making this a significant milestone for international music representation.
Who Is Who: Rosé and the BRITs
For those new to the scene, Rosé is a Korean-New Zealand singer and dancer who rose to fame as a member of BLACKPINK, currently one of the most successful girl groups in the world. While the group has achieved record-breaking success globally, Rosé has also established a powerful solo career.
The BRIT Awards are the highest-profile music honors in the United Kingdom. Historically, these awards have been difficult for non-Western artists to win, often focusing on domestic talent or major American pop stars. Rosé's win signifies a shift in how the British music industry perceives and celebrates global artists from South Korea.
Why This Matters in K-pop
This achievement is a major turning point for the industry. While K-pop has dominated social media and concert tours for years, winning a BRIT Award proves that the music is now being recognized as a mainstream cultural force by traditional music institutions in Europe.
By winning International Song of the Year, Rosé has opened a new door for other Korean artists. It demonstrates that collaborations between K-pop stars and Western icons like Bruno Mars can transcend regional labels and become universal pop anthems. This win isn't just a personal victory for Rosé; it is a signal that the "global" in global pop music truly includes diverse voices from across the world.