With the world falling in love with its music, a powerhouse K-pop band found itself getting a glimpse of royal life.
In a dazzling display of royalty and musical talent, the four members of Blackpink found themselves not only in the spotlight at a glittering state banquet in England, but also receiving the royal seal of approval from none other than King Charles himself.
All while the royal band played their hit songs outside the palace.
Following a special shout-out during the banquet, the four members — Roseanne Park (Rosé), Jennie Kim, Jisoo Kim, and Lalisa Manoban (Lisa) — were bestowed with honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at a prestigious ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
There, after presenting them the MBE, King Charles had one simple request of the young women: To continue doing good in the world
The royal investiture, attended by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, were granted on the recommendation of the U.K. government. It was a testament to Blackpink’s vocal support for the crucial campaign to address climate change.
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In a surprising move, the military band of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards paid tribute to the official visitors from Korea by playing Blackpink’s tunes during the changing of the guard on the palace forecourt.
The Royal Family’s Instagram caption playfully noted, “On Wednesdays, we play Blackpink,” as the band played the infamous “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” a clever nod to the iconic line from the film “Mean Girls”.
King Charles, in his speech at the state banquet, lauded the members of Blackpink for their advocacy on behalf of the planet. Clearly delighted, the group, seated in the sumptuous palace ballroom, couldn’t hide their charming surprise. The King commended their role as Ambassadors for the U.K.’s Presidency of COP 26 and later as advocates for the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
“It is especially inspiring to see Korea’s younger generation embrace the cause,” declared King Charles.
I applaud Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé, better known collectively as Blackpink, for their role in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience.”
This recognition is not just a symbolic gesture. Blackpink’s commitment to environmental issues is tangible, as evidenced by a series of educational videos released by the group, aimed at engaging and informing young people about climate change.
Blackpink with their honorary MBEs at Buckingham Palace. Photo by AP
Their efforts resulted in significantly increased engagement with the Summit from a younger audience, earning them the title of global Ambassadors for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
King Charles, known for his decades-long dedication to conservation, marveled at the group’s ability to prioritize vital issues while being global superstars.
He also took the time to muse on his visits to South Korea. “Sadly, when I was in Seoul all those years ago, I am not sure I developed much of what might be called the Gangnam Style!” he joked, referring to the global hit song by Korean rapper Psy.
The band members were equally in awe of their honorary titles.
Lisa wrote about the moment on social media.
“So deeply honored to be a part of this great moment. I would have never imagined that our music and advocacy would take us to Buckingham Palace. It’s truly a surreal experience, and I’m grateful for the recognition and the opportunity to contribute to such important causes,” she said.
The King’s speech also underscored the cultural influence of Korea, comparing it to that of the United Kingdom. “Korea has matched Danny Boyle with Bong Joon-ho, James Bond with Squid Game and the Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ with BTS’s ‘Dynamite,'” he joked.
“Our cultures share a remarkable ability to captivate imaginations across the world, transforming a so-called soft power into a shared superpower.”
Korean culture has grown in popularity with its music, known as K-pop, becoming a global phenomenon.
Alongside bands such as BTS, Blackpink are at front of the genre, breaking records including becoming the most subscribed and viewed music artist on YouTube and having the highest-grossing tour by a female group.
Watch the band receive their awards, below.
Sources: People | Rolling Stone
