The recently released nominations list for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (also known as the VMAs) has sparked significant controversy, particularly within K-Pop spaces.
The list of nominees for the “Best K-Pop” category includes:
- “Seven (feat. Latto)” by BTS‘s Jungkook
- “Rockstar” by BLACKPINK‘s LISA
- “Smoothie” by NCT Dream
- “Super Shy” by NewJeans
- “Lalalala” by Stray Kids
- “Deja Vu” by TXT
While fans of these groups have been overjoyed to see their favorite stars nominated, others have not taken the list so kindly. Many fans, in fact, are in shock over the glaring absence of aespa.
This year, aespa released two major hits, “Supernova” and “Armageddon,” both of which went viral for their impressive music videos.
“Armageddon,” in particular, stood out with its high-budget production and garnered substantial attention.
Despite their success, neither song was nominated, leading to widespread disappointment among fans.
no supernova is crazy https://t.co/qLE3bBwPQN
— mar 🔠 (@yujimjn) August 6, 2024
supernova not being nominated despite being the most popular kpop song of the year is wild 😭 https://t.co/YsHaHm00eu
— mar 𖤐 (@baeksynk) August 6, 2024
The exclusion of aespa has led to various speculations, with some fans accusing SM Entertainment of not submitting aespa’s songs for consideration. Instead, they believe the company chose to prioritize NCT Dream’s “Smoothie.”
SM submitted Smoothie and not Drama or Supernova idk what were they thinking https://t.co/Qon8QW77EU pic.twitter.com/bzwapdr1En
— ᴊᴏᴏᴇᴜɴ sᴍɴɢɢ (@xooeun_) August 6, 2024
sm not submitting drama, supernova or armageddon?? aespa being robbed once again https://t.co/FAgbpckdqz
— liz ꫂ ၴႅၴ (@rinacvnty) August 6, 2024
Such accusations have sparked heated debates and intense fan wars online, with MYs expressing their frustration and disappointment.
“video music awards” but no armageddon there is crazy like? https://t.co/tr8HdWp3iF pic.twitter.com/3mXp78kuwQ
— gigi – was @katarinabluu_ follow me 😒 (@imnotkatbluu) August 6, 2024
? pic.twitter.com/SCxd2Qj5G3 https://t.co/Pn5PbQ8DKp
— genie (@tallyspies) August 6, 2024
As the event approaches, discussions and debates about the nominations are expected to intensify. Meanwhile, the 2024 VMAs — which will be held on September 10 — promise to be an exciting and potentially contentious event full of surprises.
