BTS’s Jimin Wins Grand Prize ‘Fans’ Choice of the Year’ at MAMA Awards, First Solo Winner in a Decade

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BTS member Jimin proved his unparalleled global influence by winning the grand prize, VISA Fans’ Choice of the Year, at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS JAPAN held on November 22 at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan.

Despite being in the military, Jimin has set a new milestone as a K-pop solo artist, writing a new chapter in Hallyu history.

This achievement carries significant meaning on multiple levels.

Jimin became the first solo artist to win the Fans’ Choice of the Year award, which BTS has dominated since 2018. Moreover, he set a record as the first solo artist to win this grand prize in a decade, following a similar feat in 2014.

In addition, Jimin took home the Fans’ Choice Bonsang, achieving a double crown and proving his unwavering popularity even during military service.

The awards committee highlighted Jimin’s extraordinary accomplishments:
“As the first K-pop soloist to surpass 4 billion streams and set the record for the longest time at No. 1 for a Korean artist, Jimin has demonstrated world-class influence and cemented his status as a global pop icon.”

They noted that his solo activities go beyond personal achievements, representing new possibilities for K-pop as a genre.

Though Jimin could not attend the ceremony due to his military duties, the announcement of his win ignited celebrations across global social media.

“CONGRATULATIONS JIMIN” topped the worldwide trending list on X (formerly Twitter), and “우리지민이상받았네” (Our Jimin Won an Award) took the No. 1 spot on Korea’s real-time trends.

These reactions highlighted Jimin’s enduring global impact even during his military service.

This marks Jimin’s second consecutive year of recognition at the MAMA Awards, having won Best Male Artist at the 2023 MAMA AWARDS.

Additionally, Jimin recently won Best K-pop at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards, further solidifying his international standing.

These accolades serve as important milestones in Jimin’s growth and success as a solo artist.

Industry experts praised Jimin’s achievement, calling it “a new milestone for K-pop solo artists.”

They emphasized how his enduring global popularity during military service presents a new horizon for Hallyu’s influence.

The unwavering support and love for BTS members even during their enlistment reaffirm the staying power of K-pop on the global stage.

On December 12 of last year, Jimin enlisted as an active-duty soldier.

Despite his military service, he continues to make headlines with his contributions to music and philanthropy, including a recent donation of ₩100 million to a military support fund.

His consistent efforts highlight new possibilities for solo artists in the global K-pop market.

Jimin’s win is considered a historic moment that goes beyond individual recognition, symbolizing the global influence of K-pop solo artists.

The ongoing 2024 MAMA AWARDS, held in dual venues in LA and Osaka, has already proven K-pop’s worldwide reach.

Industry insiders predict that Jimin’s victory will serve as a new benchmark for the global activities of K-pop solo artists, and they eagerly anticipate his future endeavors.