BLACKPINK Earns First Ok-gwan Order for a Girl Group
BLACKPINK became the first K-pop girl group to receive the Ok-gwan Order of Cultural Merit. The BLACKPINK Ok-gwan Order honor sets a first for girl groups.
YG Entertainment said on Oct. 30 that BLACKPINK was selected for the honor at the 17th Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, held on Oct. 29 at Haeoreum Theater at the National Theater in Seoul’s Jung District. I’m cheering BLACKPINK on for this first.
The Ok-gwan Order is the fourth grade among cultural orders awarded to people and groups for contributions to cultural and artistic development. The BLACKPINK Ok-gwan Order recognition cited the group’s and members’ solo activities in bringing Korean popular music to a global audience.
BLACKPINK said through their agency that they were pleased and honored to receive the order. They thanked the public for loving their music over the years and BLINK for standing by them, adding that they would keep working to share comfort and emotion through good music.
In 2022, the group’s second full-length album, 'BORN PINK,' reached No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and the UK Official Albums Chart. In February 2026, BLACKPINK became the first music artist to reach 100 million YouTube channel subscribers. Their third mini album, 'DEADLINE,' sold 1,774,577 copies in its first week on Hanteo, setting a K-pop girl-group first-week sales record.
BLACKPINK completed the 'DEADLINE' World Tour, with 33 shows across 16 cities, and continues group and member solo activities. I’m cheering them on as they continue their music activities.
BLACKPINK Ok-gwan Order Quick Facts
- Date: Ceremony held on Oct. 29, 2026
- Chart: 'BORN PINK' No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and UK Official Albums Chart
- Sales: 'DEADLINE' sold 1,774,577 copies in its first week
- Tour: 'DEADLINE' World Tour, 33 shows across 16 cities
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