BLACKPINK have been awarded the Okgwan Order of Culture Merit by the government of South Korea in recognition of their contribution to the country’s popular culture.

The 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards took place in Seoul on October 29, 2026. The event is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and awards given out at the ceremony represent the highest level of government recognition for domestic cultural achievements.

Several of the awards given out are part of South Korea’s Order of Cultural Merit. Awarded by the President of South Korea, the Cultural Merit aims to recognise “outstanding meritorious services in the fields of culture and art in the interest of promoting the national culture and national development.” Awards come in five grades: Geumgwan (Gold Crown), Eungwan (Silver Crown), Bhagwan (Precious Crown), Okgwan (Jade Crown), and Hwagwan (Flower Crown).

BLACKPINK were awarded the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, and are the first K-pop girl group to be recognised in any category. With ten years of experience behind them, BLACKPINK have become one of the leading K-pop acts worldwide and remained at the forefront of the Hallyu Wave through music, fashion, and wider cultural conversation. Some of their achievements include making history by topping the U.S. Billboard 200 and the UK Official Albums Chart and becoming the first musical act to surpass 100 million subscribers on YouTube – these achievements have pushed K-pop into the Western mainstream, and were listed at the ceremony as justifications.

Though BLACKPINK were not present at the ceremony due to busy schedules, pre-recorded videos saw JENNIE, JISOO, ROSÉ and LISA expressing their gratitude for their agency YG Entertainment and their fans. They promised to continue to touch listeners' hearts through music, extending their impact.

At this year’s ceremony, several K-pop acts received other awards. Both NMIXX and ENHYPEN were given the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation for their contributions to the industry, and SUPER JUNIOR received the Presidential Commendation – received by ROSÉ last year – for their 21 years of activities. Each is an incredibly impressive and highly regarded award. However, BLACKPINK were the only K-pop act to receive an Order of Cultural Merit this year.

In fact, they are the fourth K-pop act in history to receive an Order of Cultural Merit. They join PSY (2012, fourth-class Okgwan), BTS (2018, fifth-class Hwagwan), and G-DRAGON (2025, fourth-class Okgwan). To be placed amongst these legendary artists and declared one of the most influential music artists to come from South Korea is a great honour, and reflects the impact that BLACKPINK have had in paving the way for other Korean acts internationally. And, especially, for other female K-pop acts, as BLACKPINK becomes the first and only female group to be granted an Order of Cultural Merit in history.