At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor Swift took center stage by winning an impressive nine awards. However, the night also witnessed several artists achieving their own historic moments and celebrating significant victories.

In the Song of the Summer category, Jung Kook and rapper Latto emerged as the champions with their collaboration track “Seven.” Jung Kook’s win marked a groundbreaking moment as he became only the second South Korean solo artist to secure a VMA.

The first solo artist from South Korea to claim a VMA was Lisa, a member of the renowned group Blackpink. She received the Best K-Pop trophy in 2022 for her music video “Lalisa.” Remarkably, Jung Kook’s victory establishes him as the first male soloist to attain a VMA.

What sets Jung Kook’s achievement apart is that he is the inaugural K-pop solo artist to secure a VMA in a category that extends beyond the confines of the genre. Lisa’s win was in the Best K-Pop category, specifically designated for artists associated with K-pop. In contrast, Jung Kook competed against a diverse array of acts spanning various genres.

The Song of the Summer category began with 16 nominees, with the list gradually narrowing down until Jung Kook and Latto emerged as the ultimate victors. Their triumph included surpassing major stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, and Taylor Swift, among others.

While this marked Jung Kook’s inaugural solo win at the VMAs, he is no stranger to receiving accolades as a member of BTS. The group, currently on hiatus, has garnered at least nine VMAs in various categories, including Song of the Summer and Best Group, among others.