BTS’ Jimin Wins ‘K-Pop Song of the Year’ with ‘Who’ at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

On March 17, 2025, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles buzzed with excitement as the 12th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrated the most-played artists of 2024. Among the night’s biggest highlights was BTS’ Jimin taking home the coveted K-Pop Song of the Year award for his solo track “Who” from his second studio album, Muse. Hosted by LL Cool J and broadcast live on FOX, the #iHeartAwards2025 showcased a star-studded lineup, but Jimin’s win solidified his status as a global K-pop powerhouse.

A Triumph for Jimin and “Who”

Jimin’s “Who” captivated fans and critics alike with its introspective lyrics and infectious melody, earning it the K-Pop Song of the Year title over fierce competition. The track faced off against Stray Kids’ “Chk Chk Boom,” ILLIT’s “Magnetic,” aespa’s “Supernova,” and ENHYPEN’s “XO (Only If You Say Yes).” Its victory highlights Jimin’s ability to resonate with listeners worldwide, even without extensive promotion due to his military service, which began in December 2023. Released in July 2024, “Who” quickly climbed charts and became a fan favorite, proving Jimin’s artistry knows no bounds.

The win marks a significant moment for Jimin, who racked up four nominations at this year’s awards. Alongside K-Pop Song of the Year, he was nominated for K-Pop Artist of the Year, Best Lyrics (also for “Who”), and Favorite On Screen for his travel series Are You Sure?! with BTS bandmate Jungkook. While ATEEZ snagged K-Pop Artist of the Year, Jimin’s triumph with “Who” underscores his individual impact in the industry.

A Night of K-Pop Glory

The #iHeartAwards2025 was a banner night for K-pop, with several acts shining brightly. ILLIT won Best New K-Pop Artist, beating out BABYMONSTER, BADVILLAIN, NCT WISH, and TWS, while Stray Kids’ ATE nabbed K-Pop Album of the Year. TXT’s Yeonjun also made waves, winning the inaugural Favorite K-Pop Dance Challenge for his solo track “GGUM,” outshining viral hits like SEVENTEEN’s “Maestro” and LE SSERAFIM’s “Smart.” Jimin’s win, however, stood out as a testament to his enduring popularity and the strength of his solo work.

Jimin’s Journey to the Top

Jimin, often called BTS’ “golden vocalist,” has been a history-maker since his debut with the group in 2013. His solo career kicked off with the 2018 track “Promise,” followed by his first album, Face, in 2023, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Muse, released in 2024, continued his streak of success, with “Who” becoming a standout hit. Despite being unable to attend the ceremony due to his ongoing military service in South Korea, Jimin’s win sent ARMY—the BTS fanbase—into a frenzy of celebration online, with hashtags like #WhoSOTYatiheartradio2025 trending worldwide.

The #iHeartAwards2025: A Star-Studded Affair

The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards honored a mix of icons and rising stars. Taylor Swift dominated with 10 nominations and won Tour of the Century for her Eras Tour, while Mariah Carey received the Icon Award and Lady Gaga was named the Innovator Award recipient. Performances by Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, and Nelly electrified the stage, but Jimin’s victory added a K-pop crown to the night’s diverse lineup.