BTS continues to dominate the global conversation; even during a period of individual activities, as Jin and j-hope earn nominations for the Hanteo Best Popular Artist Award, one of the most fan-powered honors in K-pop. The nomination instantly set social media abuzz, with ARMY rallying across platforms to secure what many are calling a long-overdue second trophy for the group’s members.
The award is part of Hanteo Music Awards’ anniversary celebrations, culminating in a grand ceremony on February 15, 2026, at Seoul’s KSPO Dome. Unlike jury-heavy categories, Best Popular Artist is decided entirely by fan votes, underscoring BTS’ greatest strength: an unmatched global fandom that knows how to mobilize.
A 100% Fan-Voted Battle
What makes this category especially intense is its three-round voting system, spread across more than a month and weighted strategically:
- Round 1 (30%): January 5–14
- Round 2 (30%): January 16–25
- Final Round (40%): January 27–February 7
Fans can cast votes through Whosfan, Mubeat, and Fancast, earning tickets via daily ads, missions, and check-ins. With nearly half the score coming from the final round, consistency; not just early hype, will be key.
ARMY has already begun circulating step by step voting guides, reminders, and countdown schedules across X, Weverse, TikTok, and Instagram, emphasizing teamwork and sustained participation.
Jin and j-hope: Individual Power, Collective Impact
The nominations highlight the unique duality of BTS’ current era. While the group remains on hiatus as members fulfill military duties and solo projects, Jin and j-hope continue to command massive popularity.
- Jin, BTS’ eldest member, remains a fan favorite thanks to his timeless visuals, emotional vocals, and recent solo achievements that showcased his growth as a standalone artist.
- j-hope, widely praised for his stage presence and artistry, has earned respect across genres for his bold musical direction, fashion influence, and global performances.
Their presence in the Best Popular Artist lineup reinforces that BTS’ influence doesn’t fade; it multiplies, even when members step forward individually.
Fierce Competition Across K-pop’s Elite
This year’s Best Popular Artist category is stacked. Jin and j-hope face competition from some of the industry’s most powerful names, including:
- TWICE
- TXT’s Yeonjun
- BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Jisoo
- G-Dragon
- NCT’s Haechan
- Lim Young Woong
Each nominee brings a formidable fandom and proven chart power, making this one of the most competitive fan-voted races in recent Hanteo history. The diversity of artists; spanning generations, styles, and fandom cultures, adds to the award’s prestige.
ARMY’s Mission: The Second Trophy
For ARMY, this nomination is about more than a win; it’s about legacy. Many fans see the Best Popular Artist Award as a direct reflection of BTS’ bond with their supporters. Calls for a “second trophy” echo across platforms, framed as a symbolic reminder that even during quieter group years, BTS remains at the center of global pop culture.
From coordinated voting schedules to multilingual tutorials for international fans, ARMY’s response has been swift, strategic, and united; traits that have historically tipped the scales in fan-voted awards.
Why This Nomination Matters
In an industry driven by trends, algorithms, and fast cycles, the Hanteo Best Popular Artist Award stands out because it measures connection, not just numbers. Jin and j-hope’s nominations prove that popularity isn’t fleeting when it’s built on authenticity, artistry, and years of trust with fans.
As February approaches and the final voting round intensifies, one thing is clear: this isn’t just an award season; it’s a fandom movement. And once again, all eyes are on BTS.
Final Thoughts
As the Hanteo Music Awards draw closer, the nominations of Jin and j-hope for Best Popular Artist feel less like a routine awards-season update and more like a statement about longevity and influence. In a fast-moving industry where visibility often defines success, BTS once again proves that true popularity is measured by connection, not constant promotion. Even during an era of solo activities and quieter group moments, the bond between the members and ARMY remains powerful enough to drive massive, coordinated participation on a global scale.
Because this award is decided entirely by fans, every vote carries emotional weight. It reflects years of shared memories, music that resonated across borders, and a fandom that has grown alongside the artists. The structured voting rounds demand discipline and persistence, turning the process into a marathon rather than a sprint; something ARMY is famously known for mastering. The push for a second trophy is not just about winning, but about honoring the journey BTS and their fans have taken together.
Facing some of K-pop’s biggest names only elevates the meaning of this nomination. Win or lose, Jin and j-hope standing among such elite company reinforces BTS’ enduring relevance and respect within the industry. As February 15, 2026, approaches, this race becomes a reflection of legacy; proof that BTS’ influence continues to thrive through loyalty, unity, and a fandom that never stops showing up.
Source: MK News
