During a state visit by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee to the U.K., King Charles III hosted a banquet at Buckingham Palace, highlighting the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Among the esteemed guests were members of the globally acclaimed K-Pop group BLACKPINK, consisting of Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé.
The members of BLACKPINK, known for their chart-topping music and fashion-forward style, graced the event in elegant attire. Jisoo donned a black, puff-sleeved dress from Christian Dior's Resort 2024 collection, Rosé appeared in a black strapless velvet dress, Lisa captivated in an aquamarine beaded tulle dress by Georges Hobeika, and Jennie chose a bridal-inspired ensemble with an off-the-shoulder neckline. Their presence at the palace marked a significant moment in cultural diplomacy.
BLACKPINK react to being honoured during a speech by King Charles III for the Korean State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, via Sky News. pic.twitter.com/OYSfEOIqtm — Pop Base (@PopBase) November 21, 2023
During his speech, King Charles III took the opportunity to acknowledge BLACKPINK's contributions to promoting environmental sustainability. He commended their efforts as Ambassadors for the U.K.'s Presidency of COP 26 and advocates for the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. His Majesty noted, "I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues, as well as being global superstars." He humorously referenced his own visit to Seoul in 1992, joking about not developing "much of what might be called the Gangnam Style."
BLACK PINK with King Charles III pic.twitter.com/HL20cRRBku — Devanayagam (@Devanayagam) November 21, 2023
The King's mention of BLACKPINK in his speech was met with delighted reactions from the members, as captured in a video shared on social media. The recognition from the British monarch underscores the influential role of K-Pop in global pop culture and environmental advocacy.
In addition to praising BLACKPINK, King Charles III also highlighted South Korea's significant impact on global entertainment. He likened the success of the Netflix series "Squid Game" and the music of BTS to that of iconic British cultural exports, emphasizing the shared "soft power" that captivates worldwide audiences.
The state visit, marked by a blend of formal protocol and cultural celebration, also included other members of the British royal family. Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton participated in the ceremonial welcome, showcasing the strong ties between the U.K. and South Korea.
The President and First Lady of the Republic of Korea have been welcomed to the United Kingdom by The King and Queen, accompanied by The Prince and Princess of Wales, at Horse Guards Parade. pic.twitter.com/eNjUfkx65R — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 21, 2023
This royal banquet comes on the heels of BLACKPINK's historic performance at BST Hyde Park in July, further cementing their status as cultural ambassadors and global influencers. The event at Buckingham Palace not only celebrated diplomatic relations but also highlighted the universal language of music and its power to connect diverse cultures.
