K-pop group Blackpink has become the first girl group to receive South Korea’s Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, recognising its contribution to spreading Korean popular culture internationally.
The four-member group received the honour at the 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, held at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul on October 29, according to YG Entertainment.
BLACKPINK makes HERSTORY today as the FIRST K-POP GROUP to receive the Okgwan (Jade Crown) Order of Cultural Merit, with all four members being honored at the 2026 Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards. — It is the HIGHEST grade ever awarded to a K-pop group. https://t.co/E1OojCQb3F
— Pop Core (@TheePopCore) October 29, 2026
The Okgwan Order, also known as the Jade Crown Order, is the fourth of five classes within South Korea’s Order of Cultural Merit. The awards recognise artists and entertainment professionals who have contributed to the country’s cultural development and international influence.
All four members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa received the distinction in the year marking Blackpink’s 10th anniversary.
«We are delighted and honoured to receive this meaningful cultural medal,» the members said in a statement released by YG Entertainment.
#JISOO, #JENNIE, #ROSÉ, and #LISA’s acceptance speech for #BLACKPINK’s recognition with the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit at the 17th Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards. https://t.co/teWBXuMDcE
— BLACKPINK BLINK UNION 💕 (@BBU_BLACKPINK) October 29, 2026
Blackpink’s decade of record-breaking achievements
Since debuting in 2016, Blackpink has established several milestones in international music.
Its second studio album, Born Pink, released in 2022, became the first album by an Asian female artist to reach No. 1 on both the US Billboard 200 and the UK’s Official Albums Chart.
In February 2026, Blackpink became the first musical act to reach 100 million YouTube subscribers.
The group’s recognition came alongside honours for other prominent South Korean entertainers.
The Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency, recognised 36 individuals and groups in 2026.
