BLACKPINK to receive South Korea’s Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit: BLACKPINK’s members Rose, Lisa, Jisoo, and Jennie will receive South Korea’s Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit on October 29, 2026. They are receiving the honour as the Kpop band marks 10 years since its debut this year. It is the highest grade of cultural merit to recognise the girls’ contributions in putting K-pop on the global stage, international achievements and record-breaking YouTube videos. 

BLACKPINK will receive the award at the 17th Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, organised by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency. 

The ceremony will take place at Haeoreum Grand Theatre, National Theatre of Korea, in Seoul.

Why Is BLACKPINK Receiving Such A Prestigious National Award?

BLACKPINK is receiving South Korea’s prestigious award because of its outstanding performance on the international stage.

  • BLACKPINK has topped the US Billboard 200 and the UK Official Albums Chart, demonstrating its reach in two major music markets. 

  • The KPop band is also the first musical group in the world to surpass 100 million YouTube subscribers. YouTube presented a custom Red Diamond Creator Award to all four members. 

  • Their Born Pink World Tour, in 2022, became the highest-grossing tour by a female K-pop/Asian act, generating approximately $330 million. 

  • It has also achieved the status of being the most-streamed female band in Spotify history, having crossed 17.5 billion total streams on the platform as of 2026. 

These milestones matter because they show how Korean music has landed on a global scale and created a worldwide fan base.

What is the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit?

The Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, also known as the Jade Crown Order, is the fourth of the five grades in South Korea’s Order of Cultural Merit. The list comprises the Gold Crown, Silver Crown, Bogwan, Okgwan and Hwagwan orders.

Okgwan Order is a government-conferred cultural honour, rather than a trophy awarded for a particular album, song or chart position. The honour recognises artists who have made significant contributions to cultural and artistic development.

The awards cover singers, actors, comedians, voice actors, producers and other entertainment professionals.

ALSO READ: BTS X BLACKPINK: What A Dream Collaboration Between Kpop’s Biggest Groups Could Look Like?

Who else is receiving South Korea’s cultural honours in 2026?

Other than BLACKPINK, the late rock musician Shin Hae-chul will receive the Eungwan Order of Cultural Merit for his contribution to Korean rock. Also, famous comedian and television host Yoo Jae-suk and singer Han Young-ae will receive the Bogwan Order.

The government will also present presidential commendations to seven individuals and groups, prime ministerial commendations to eight, and culture minister commendations to 11. Recipients across these categories include Super Junior, AKMU, NMIXX, ENHYPEN, actors Kim Go-eun and Park Ji-hoon, and composer EJAE.

(Image Credit: Instagram @blackpinkofficial)

For BLACKPINK, receiving a national award in its 10th anniversary year is going to be a great milestone. For Kpop, it reflects how international influence has become an important part of the story South Korea.

ALSO READ: What Would BLACKPINK’S Jennie, Jisoo, Rose, And Lisa Be If They Weren’t Kpop Idols?

Which is your favourite BLACKPINK member?

FAQs

Q1. Why is BLACKPINK receiving the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit?

A1. BLACKPINK is being recognised for contributing to Kpop’s global expansion, including its Billboard chart achievements and its record-breaking YouTube subscribers.

Q2. What is the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit?

A2. It is the fourth-highest grade of South Korea’s five-grade Order of Cultural Merit, which recognises significant contributions to cultural and artistic development.

3. When did BLACKPINK debut?

3. BLACKPINK debuted on August 8, 2016, with the single album Square One, featuring ‘Whistle’ and ‘Boombayah’.