BLACKPINK Receives National Order of Cultural Merit on Their 10th Anniversary

BLACKPINK is receiving the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit from the Korean government. The honor will be presented tonight at the 2026 Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. All four members—Rosé, Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo—are named as recipients. The Okgwan Order is the fourth of five grades in the Order of Cultural Merit. Coming in their 10th anniversary year, the award carries special weight.

The Popular Culture and Arts Awards recognize the contributions of artists across music, acting, comedy, and voice acting. Launched in 2010, this year marks the 17th edition. Past recipients include the late Shin Hae-chul, Yoo Jae-suk, and Han Young-ae, totaling 36 individuals and teams to date.

BLACKPINK has topped both the US Billboard 200 and the UK Official Albums Chart, setting records as a K-pop girl group. Beyond group achievements, each member has built a distinct solo career. Rosé, Lisa, Jennie, and Jisoo have each expanded the reach of the Korean Wave in their own spheres, and this award acknowledges both collective and individual contributions. It is rare for a group to prove influence on both fronts simultaneously.

Receiving a national honor at the 10-year mark officially records BLACKPINK's trajectory. It also signals the start of their next decade. The records they have built so far are already clear. The question now is where they will head next. What do you think the next ten years will look like for BLACKPINK?