(Photo courtesy of Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards’ Instagram)
[Hanteo News = Reporter KIM YEONWOO] BLACKPINK received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, while Super Junior was honored with a Presidential Commendation, recognizing their contributions to K-POP’s global influence. ENHYPEN, NMIXX, and actor Park Jihoon also received Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendations.
The 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards, held at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul on October 29, celebrated artists who have contributed to the development of popular culture and the arts. This year’s ceremony honored a total of 36 individuals and groups, including 10 recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit, seven Presidential Commendations, eight Prime Minister’s Commendations, and 11 Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendations.
(Photo courtesy of YG ENTERTAINMENT)
BLACKPINK Becomes First K-POP Girl Group to Receive Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit
BLACKPINK became the first K-POP girl group to receive the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit. Celebrating its 10th debut anniversary this year, the group was recognized for its contributions to global popular culture through both group and solo activities.
“We are delighted and honored to receive such a meaningful award,” BLACKPINK said. “We will continue working hard to bring comfort and inspiration to people through our music.” The members also expressed their gratitude to the public and their fandom, BLINK.
In 2022, BLACKPINK became the first Asian female act to simultaneously top the US Billboard 200 and the UK’s Official Albums Chart with its second full-length album ‘BORN PINK’. In February this year, the group became the first musical act to reach 100 million subscribers on YouTube. More recently, its third mini-album ‘DEADLINE’ recorded initial chodong sales exceeding 1.77 million copies according to Hanteo Chart, while the group continues its tour spanning 33 performances across 16 cities.
(Photo courtesy of SM ENTERTAINMENT)
Super Junior Receives Presidential Commendation After 21 Years in the Industry
Super Junior was honored with a Presidential Commendation. Having previously received a Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation at the inaugural ceremony in 2010, the group has now earned presidential recognition for its 21 years of activities.
At the ceremony, Super Junior greeted the audience with its signature introduction, “We are Super Junior!”
“We’ve received many awards over the past 21 years, but this is our first Presidential Commendation, which makes it even more meaningful,” the group shared. The members reflected on how their childhood dream of becoming famous through their love of singing and dancing had grown into worldwide recognition, expressing their gratitude to their fandom, E.L.F.
Since debuting in 2005, Super Junior has gained widespread popularity across Asia with hits including ‘Sorry, Sorry’. Through its ‘SUPER SHOW’ world tour, which began in 2008, the group has performed in approximately 30 regions across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, helping expand the reach of K-POP concerts. Even during its 20th debut anniversary last year, Super Junior maintained an active schedule, demonstrating its enduring teamwork and consistency.
(Photo courtesy of JYP ENTERTAINMENT)
ENHYPEN, NMIXX, and Park Jihoon Receive Ministerial Commendations
ENHYPEN, NMIXX, and actor Park Jihoon received Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendations.
Since debuting in 2020, ENHYPEN has steadily expanded its global fandom through its music and performances. The group’s eighth mini-album ‘THE SIN : BLISS’ topped the Billboard 200 and recorded initial chodong sales exceeding 2.09 million copies, becoming its fifth double-million-selling album. ENHYPEN has also continued its global activities through ‘ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘BLOOD SAGA’’, featuring 37 performances across 22 cities.
“We are honored and proud to receive such a meaningful award,” ENHYPEN said. “We would like to thank ENGENE and everyone who loves popular culture and the arts. We will continue to repay your support through our music and various activities.”
NMIXX was unable to attend the ceremony due to its comeback promotions. Through its agency, JYP ENTERTAINMENT, the group shared, “It means a great deal to have our names recognized alongside those who contribute to popular culture and the arts,” expressing gratitude to its fandom, NSWER, and the public.
Debuting in 2022, NMIXX has developed its distinctive musical identity through powerful vocals, performances, and original music. The group is currently promoting its sixth mini-album ‘Strange Muse’ and title track ‘긴 소원 (Birthday Wish)’, released on October 19. It is also scheduled to hold the finale concerts of its world tour at INSPIRE Arena from November 27 to 29.
Actor Park Jihoon received a Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation in recognition of his contributions to popular culture and the arts through the film ‘The Man Who Lives with the King’. Following his activities as a member of Wanna One, Park has steadily built his acting career, taking on new roles and expanding his artistic range through various projects.
(Photo courtesy of BELIFT LAB)
K-POP’s Next Chapter: Beyond Music and Into the Cultural Industry
This year’s awards demonstrated that K-POP’s achievements are not confined to a particular generation or genre. From Super Junior, which has maintained its group identity for over two decades, to BLACKPINK and ENHYPEN, which have set new records on the global stage, and NMIXX, which has established its presence through distinctive music and performances, these artists have each helped shape popular culture in their own ways.
K-POP’s influence continues to extend beyond digital music and album sales into concerts, content, and fandom culture. By connecting with fans around the world and generating interest in Korean culture, these artists demonstrate the industry’s potential for continued growth. Beyond achieving global success, strengthening creative capabilities and establishing sustainable environments for artists will be essential to K-POP’s next stage of development.
yeonwoo38@hanteo.com
