BLACKPINK became the first K-pop girl group to receive Korea’s Okgwan Order for its role in spreading Hallyu.
October/30/2026 11:28Related Groups & Members
BLACKPINK has received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, the first ever in the history of K-pop girl groups, and their contribution to the spread of Hallyu has been recognized. According to YG ENTERTAINMENT today (the 30th), BLACKPINK received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit at the 17th Republic of Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards ceremony held on the 29th at Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. In particular, since it was an achievement obtained in the year marking their 10th debut anniversary, its significance is even more special. The Republic of Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency, is the highest-authority government award in the field of popular culture and arts, comprehensively judging factors such as period of activity, achievements, and social contribution. BLACKPINK is the first K-pop girl group to receive the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, which corresponds to the fourth grade, and they were highly evaluated for showing remarkable activity on the world stage while moving back and forth between group and solo activities. BLACKPINK said, “We are happy and honored to receive such a meaningful cultural medal,” and added, “We sincerely thank everyone who has long loved our music and the BLINKs (the name of the fans) who have always supported us by our side. We will continue to work hard so that we can become artists who deliver comfort and emotion through good music.” Their path is history itself, raising the status of K-pop in the world’s mainstream markets. With their 2nd full album “BORN PINK” in 2022, they became the first Asian female artists to reach No. 1 on the two major pop charts (the U.S. Billboard 200 and the U.K. Official Albums Chart). Furthermore, this February, they set a major record by becoming the first music artists in the world to surpass 100 million subscribers on their YouTube channel. In addition, with their 3rd mini album “DEADLINE,” released this year, they set the highest first-week sales record in K-pop girl group history (1,774,577 copies). They then successfully completed a world tour of 33 performances in 16 cities, further solidifying their position as unique global top artists. • BLACKPINK Jisoo to release her second pre-release track “ADDICTED” on October 30! She reveals teaser content one after another (with video) • BLACKPINK Rosé appointed as ambassador for whiskey brand Johnnie Walker! Comments also arrive
Related Articles
Jennie, globally popular as a BLACKPINK member, solo artist, and fashion icon, has released the Japanese CD edition of her latest EP Fallen Angel. The album adds three unreleased bonus tracks, includes special first-press items, and features the title track’s dreamy, emotional world.
Jisoo of BLACKPINK released “ADDICTED,” the second pre-release song from her first full album, and revealed a captivating new image. The song expresses sweet yet intense feelings of love, while the music video highlights her charisma, visuals, and underwater performance. She will perform the song on music shows, and the album is building anticipation with contrasting tracks like “CLICK.” BLACKPINK also became the first K-pop girl group to receive the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit.
Snow Man’s Friday TBS show airs a special with two parts: BLACKPINK’s LISA makes her first appearance on a Japanese variety location shoot, touring specialty shops with Nakayama Kinnikun, and the studio reveals a top 10 ranking of the guests who most startled Snow Man, with rare footage and a surprise ending.
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo continues her global momentum with “ADDICTED,” the second pre-release track from her first full album, set for release on the 30th. After “CLICK,” she is showing a different concept through logo, teaser images, and video, highlighting her mysterious visuals and captivating vocals.
Johnnie Walker, owned by Diageo and sold by Kirin, announced BLACKPINK’s Rosé as the new brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker Black Label. The campaign will celebrate creativity and self-expression through global experiences, starting with a special event in Seoul and expanding worldwide.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa released her new EP, PRESS PLAY, with six songs including the title track, Tarantino. She described the album as a cinematic work with different characters and moods in each song. She held a listening party in Seoul, and her pre-release track SaWaDiKa gained major global success.
Bae Suzy is reported to have purchased a super-luxury residence under construction in Seoul’s Gangnam district. The complex has only 27 units and emphasizes privacy, with garden houses, terrace houses, and penthouses. Prices reportedly range from 14 billion won to 40 billion won.
TWICE is entering a new “separate, together” phase as Jihyo leaves JYP, launches a new company, and vows to keep working with the group. The article notes similar cases in other girl groups, while warning that coordinating full-group schedules may become harder.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa was spotted walking in Thailand with Thai actor and singer Blue Pongtiwat, sparking renewed dating rumors. Reports say they have also been seen together in other countries, while Lisa has avoided directly addressing relationship speculation.
Some K-pop artists, including IVE, KiiiKiii, FIFTY FIFTY, and Park Hyo-shin, submitted songs for the Grammy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, along with Japanese and other Asian acts. But BTS, Stray Kids, and other major-label artists declined, amid debate over whether the category helps or isolates Asian music.
