BLACKPINK’s Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit: What Does It Mean?

A pop group’s influence is often measured through sold-out concerts, streaming numbers and chart positions. But when that influence earns recognition from the country whose culture helped shape its global identity, the achievement takes on a different meaning. As BLACKPINK marks a decade since its debut, the group’s latest honour connects its international success with South Korea’s wider cultural legacy.

Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa and Rosé will receive the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit at the 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards on October 29, 2026. The recognition acknowledges the group’s contribution to the international expansion of Korean popular culture. The ceremony is organised by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency.

What’s Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit

The Okgwan, which translates to the Jade Crown, is one of five grades of South Korea’s Order of Cultural Merit. The national honour recognises significant contributions to the development and advancement of culture and the arts.

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The five grades, in descending order, are Geumgwan or Gold Crown, Eungwan or Silver Crown, Bogwan or Precious Crown, Okgwan or Jade Crown, and Hwagwan or Flower Crown. Okgwan is the fourth grade in this hierarchy. Unlike commercial music awards that recognise chart performance or sales, the order acknowledges an artist’s contribution to the country’s cultural landscape.

Why BLACKPINK Is Being Recognised

BLACKPINK’s achievements illustrate the scale of K-pop’s international reach. The group has topped the Billboard 200 and become the first musical act to surpass 100 mn subscribers on YouTube, milestones cited in connection with its selection for the honour.

Its influence also extends into fashion, beauty and the wider cultural conversation surrounding Korean entertainment. Through collective releases and individual projects, the four members have maintained a prominent international presence, bringing Korean popular music to audiences across different markets.

BLACKPINK is among the recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit at this year’s ceremony. Other honourees include comedian Yoo Jae-suk and singer Han Young-ae, who will receive the Bogwan Order, while the late musician Shin Hae-chul will be posthumously awarded the Eungwan Order. Their recognition reflects the range of creative contributions represented at the annual awards.

A Decade of Global Legacy

BLACKPINK’s Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit adds a national honour to an already notable list of achievements. In 2023, the four members received honorary MBEs from the United Kingdom for their work in raising awareness of climate change, following their involvement with the COP26 climate summit. The group has also earned multiple Guinness World Records, including recognition as the first musical act to reach 100 million subscribers on YouTube in February 2026.

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The Jade Crown honour marks a different kind of recognition, linking BLACKPINK’s international achievements to its contribution to South Korea’s cultural standing. Ten years after its debut, the group’s influence is being acknowledged at a national level, underscoring how K-pop has become a significant part of the country’s cultural presence worldwide.