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Fans outraged over BTS’ j-hope’s alleged ‘Hip-Hop Special Award’ snub at Hanteo Music Awards 2025 despite leading the voting

By: ms25safron

Date:

The Hanteo Music Awards took place on February 15, 2026, at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. However, the 2025 edition drew backlash after BTS’ j-hope lost the R&B and Hip Hop Special Award. The honor went to Lee Young-ji instead. For the category, winners were calculated through chart records, a review committee, and multi-app voting rounds.

Shared screenshots indicated the artist placed first during the opening vote. Moreover, fans reported a clear lead across several platforms. Voting reportedly formed about 60% percent of the total. Therefore, supporters believed the advantage should remain after judging scores were applied.

Following this, social media reactions intensified. Many users questioned why audiences installed multiple applications if totals could be overturned. Others argued the published ratio did not match the outcome.

“Rigged award! j-hope was the real winner!” an X user commented.

Fans are openly expressing frustration, arguing that Hobi was No.1 in voting and should have won easily. Because of that gap, some fans are now calling the results “rigged.” Those claims continue circulating online as they question the fairness and transparency of the system.

This was totally rigged 😡 How could j-hope lose when he was leading in all rounds of the fan vote?! #HanteoCORRUPT

You must be kidding me. J-Hope was leading in all the voting apps How come some nugu won? Why did we waste our time voting if you were going to give the award to someone else? This is disgusting the awards are rigged you losers

this is so messed up sorry but j-hope could win this easily because he’s #1 in the voting and still win even with the 30% of judge but yeah rigged af

Others are demanding clarity, saying they followed all the rules, downloaded apps, and voted daily. Since he reportedly led fan voting by a huge margin, they’re confused how he still lost when judges’ scores count for only 30%.

@Hanteo_HMAs We followed the rules. We downloaded the apps. We voted. It’s not fair that in the end, they chose someone else. Please explain why J-Hope didn’t win by such a margin?

Didn’t see this coming…..but am i surprised??? What were the hidden criteria you added?? Care to explain?

At this point, it really feels like everything is based on attendance. How does an artist dominate fan voting across platforms by such a huge margin and still not win, when judges and internal scoring control only 30% of the score? @Hanteo_HMAs care to explain?

j-hope’s post-military solo comeback era

In 2025, while several BTS members were still completing military duty, j-hope resumed solo promotions soon after discharge in October 2024. Early that year, he returned with the single Sweet Dreams featuring Miguel, marking the first release after service. The track blended pop and R&B styling and initiated a new promotion cycle.

Later in June, he issued Killin’ It Girl featuring GloRilla. During the same period, he carried out the HOPE ON THE STAGE tour across Asia and North America. The K-pop idol also continued to headline festival appearances like Lollapalooza Berlin and PSY’s Summer Swag.

Before those 2025 releases, the artist had already put out the project Hope on the Street Vol. 1 in 2024. It was accompanied by a documentary series exploring dance roots and musical influences. His earlier works included the 2023 collaboration on the street with J. Cole and the first studio album, Jack in the Box, from 2022 after the mixtape Hope World from 2018.

j-hope is set to return with BTS after almost four years with their fifth studio album ARIRANG. The septet will also go on a massive titular tour in April.