BTS scoops up second Billboard Music Award for Top Social Artist

This photo provided by Big Hit Entertainment shows Korean boy band BTS. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, May 21 (Yonhap) — K-pop sensation BTS won a Billboard Music Award in the Top Social Artist category on Monday, dominating the fan-voted category for the second year in a row.

The South Korean septet defeated four competing singers including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande to grab the award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday (U.S. time).

As their name was called, the seven-member act took the stage with bright smiles amid roaring cheers from fans.

“Thank you so much for this precious award for two years in a row,” team leader RM said on stage.

“This time, we had a chance to think about what social really means for us. And some of our fans told us that our music really changed their lives,” he said.

“Now we realized that our words truly carried weight thanks to you guys.”

“This award really is for you (Army),” member Jimin said, referring to their fans. “I truly thank you and love you.”

In May 2017, BTS won its first Top Social Artist Award at the BBMAs, becoming the first Korean group to win a Billboard Music Award.

The Top Social Artist is one of two fan-voted categories at the annual award event. With their 2017 victory, BTS broke Justin Bieber’s six-year winning streak dating back to 2011.

BTS’ sensational hits are rewriting the history of K-pop.

BTS’ latest LP, “Love Yourself: Tear,” instantly dominated major music charts at home and abroad after its release on Friday.

The new album’s title track, “Fake Love,” also claimed the top spots on six local music streaming charts within one hour of its release. The main song also shot up to the top spot on iTunes’ Top Albums charts in 65 countries, including the United States, Australia and Brazil.