The global influence of HYBE has never been clearer. At the American Music Awards (AMA) 2026 nominations, HYBE artists have made a massive impact, proving once again that K-pop is no longer just a genre—it’s a global industry force.
According to the official nominee list for the 52nd AMAs, a total of nine HYBE-affiliated acts secured nominations across 14 categories. The lineup includes powerhouse groups like BTS, Tomorrow X Together, and ENHYPEN, alongside rising and global crossover acts such as KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM, and ILLIT.
BTS Leads the Charge for Top Honors
Among them, BTS stands out as a top contender. The group is nominated for the prestigious Artist of the Year, solidifying their enduring global dominance. They are also in the race for Best Male K-Pop Artist and Song of the Summer with their hit track “SWIM” from their 5th studio album “Arirang.”
KATSEYE’s Breakout Moment
Global rookie group KATSEYE is making waves with nominations for New Artist of the Year—one of the most coveted titles for newcomers. They’re also recognized in Breakthrough Pop Artist and Best Music Video for their viral hit “Gnarly,” going head-to-head with top-tier global pop stars.
K-Pop Category Takeover
The Best Male K-Pop Artist category is practically a HYBE showcase, featuring BTS, Tomorrow X Together, and ENHYPEN all competing against each other.
Meanwhile, in the Best Female K-Pop Artist category, LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT go head-to-head, showcasing HYBE’s strong presence across both male and female group lineups.
Beyond K-Pop: Global Genre Expansion
HYBE’s influence extends far beyond K-pop. Artists like Quavo, BigXthaPlug, and Tyla are also nominated across major categories including hip-hop, country, R&B, and Afrobeats.
Tyla, in particular, stands out with multiple nominations including Social Song of the Year and Best Music Video for her hit “CHANEL,” as well as nods in Best Female R&B Artist and Best Afrobeats Artist—proving her global crossover appeal.
HYBE’s Global Strategy Paying Off
Behind this sweeping success is HYBE’s multi-label strategy. With 16 labels across Korea, the U.S., Japan, and Latin markets, HYBE continues to localize the K-pop production system while empowering each label with creative independence.
This approach is clearly working—producing diverse, high-quality IP and content tailored for global audiences.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
HYBE isn’t just exporting K-pop anymore—it’s building a global music empire. From BTS’s continued dominance to KATSEYE’s explosive debut trajectory, the AMA 2026 nominations signal a shift: K-pop is now a core pillar of the global music industry. The real question isn’t whether HYBE will win—it’s how much further they can expand.
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