BTS, BLACKPINK nominated for 2026 Kids' Choice Awards as BTS eyes fifth win

Global pop icons return as world watches for another record

South Korea's leading groups, 'BTS' and 'BLACKPINK', have both been nominated in major categories at the U.S. pop culture awards show 'Kids' Choice Awards 2026', once again underscoring their global stature.

According to the nominations announced officially by Nickelodeon on the 8th local time, 'BTS' earned three nominations, including 'Favorite Music Group/Duo', 'Favorite Album' and 'Favorite Song'. The 'Kids' Choice Awards', hosted by U.S. children's entertainment network Nickelodeon, honors the stars and works most loved by audiences across music, television, film and other areas of popular culture.

'BTS' holds the all-time record in the 'Favorite Music Group' category after winning the trophy for four consecutive years from 2020 through 2023. With the group nominated in the same category again this year, all eyes are on whether it can claim a fifth career win.

Commanding presence as soloists and a group

Global girl group 'BLACKPINK' will also compete against 'BTS' in the 'Favorite Music Group/Duo' category. The members also stood out individually, beyond their group activities.

Member 'Rosé' was nominated for 'Favorite Female Artist', further establishing herself as a distinctive solo artist. 'Jennie' was also nominated in the 'Favorite Music Collaboration' category for 'Dracula', her collaboration with Australian global band Tame Impala, earning recognition for her outstanding musical ability.

Global rookie emerges as K-content continues to expand

The rise of global girl group 'KATSEYE', created through a joint project between HYBE and Geffen Records, has also been striking. The group earned a nomination for 'Favorite Female Breakout Artist/Group', a category expected to feature fierce competition among newcomers, demonstrating its potential as a next-generation pop star.

Beyond music, the animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters', which captivated Netflix viewers worldwide last year, has emerged as one of the main storylines of this year's awards. Combining K-pop with fantasy action, the production received nominations in multiple major categories, highlighting the powerful global reach of K-content.

K-pop takes over the screen as multiple wins come into view

Actors 'Ahn Hyo-seop' and 'Arden Cho', who delivered the voices of protagonists Jinu and Rumi in 'KPop Demon Hunters', were each nominated for 'Favorite Male Animated Voice from a Movie' and 'Favorite Female Animated Voice from a Movie', respectively.

Other elements that elevated the film's quality also earned recognition. HUNTRIX, the fictional girl group in the movie — Rumi, Zoey and Mira — is nominated in the 'Favorite On-Screen Duo/Trio' category, while the original soundtrack (OST) 'Golden', loved for its appealing melody, is competing in the 'Favorite Song from a Movie' category. The film was also nominated for one of the top honors, 'Favorite Animated Movie', earning broad recognition for its overall quality.

The winners of the 'Kids' Choice Awards 2026' will be determined by enthusiastic voting from fans worldwide. The ceremony will open in grand fashion on the 14th of next month in Los Angeles, California.