2026 AMAs: BTS, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ And Other Korean Cultural Moments

BusinessHollywood & Entertainment2026 AMAs: BTS, ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ And Other Korean Cultural MomentsByRegina Kim,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Regina Kim covers Korean and Asian American entertainment.Follow AuthorMay 26, 2026, 02:31pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Rei Ami and Ejae, The Singing Voices of HUNTR/X, accept the award for Song of the Year at The 52nd American Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rich Polk/Dick Clark Productions via Getty Images)Dick Clark Productions via GettyK-pop, Korean culture and the power of K-pop fandoms were on full display at the 2026 American Music Awards (AMAs). BTS and KPop Demon Hunters dominated the night, winning a combined total of seven awards. The AMAs are notable in that—unlike, say, the Grammys—they’re a fan-voted awards show, and anyone with a valid Facebook, Google or Instagram account may vote wherever the AMAs voting page is accessible. As a result, winners at the AMAs tend to reflect the artists and songs with passionate fanbases and broad public support.Here are some notable K-culture moments from this year’s AMAs, which were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25th.ForbesOscars Cut ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Speech Short, Fans Are FuriousBy Regina KimBTS wins Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards (AMAs) for the second timeHosted by Queen Latifah, the 2026 American Music Awards opened with a taped performance of BTS’s “Hooligan” from the septet’s sold-out Vegas concert at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, May 23. The packed stadium showed crowds of screaming fans waving lightsticks and chanting “Hooligan!” as the pop superstars performed onstage—a powerful testament to BTS’s global popularity and the right kind of energy needed to kick off an awards show.BTS won all three awards...