BLACKPINK Honored with MBE by King Charles for Environmental Advocacy

BLACKPINK Is Awarded Honorary MBEs By King Charles At Buckingham Palace

In an event that bridges royal tradition and global pop culture, BLACKPINK, the South Korean powerhouse girl group, received a prestigious honor from King Charles. Members Roseanne Park (Rosé), Jennie Kim, Jisoo Kim, and Lalisa Manoban (Lisa) were awarded honorary Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This special ceremony, echoing the historic moment when the Spice Girls met a then-Prince Charles in 1997, was attended by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee, among other dignitaries.

The investiture ceremony took place on Wednesday morning in Buckingham Palace’s 1844 Room. According to People, the group was recognized for their vocal support in highlighting climate change issues, a recommendation made by the U.K. government. This accolade signifies the international impact of BLACKPINK’s advocacy, particularly in their roles as Ambassadors for the U.K.’s Presidency of COP 26 and later as advocates for the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

King Charles awarded BLACKPINK honorary MBEs after referencing them in his state banquet speech.

In addition to the formal ceremony, the military band of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards celebrated BLACKPINK by playing their hit track "DDU-DU DDU-DU" during the changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace. The group also made a stylish appearance at a state banquet held in the palace ballroom later that day, swapping their formal attire for more glamorous evening gowns.

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King Charles, during the ceremony, lauded BLACKPINK’s contribution to raising awareness about environmental sustainability. “It is especially inspiring to see Korea’s younger generation embrace the cause,” he said. “I applaud Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé for their role in bringing the message of environmental sustainability to a global audience.” He also humorously reflected on his past visit to Seoul, mentioning the famous "Gangnam Style."

Adding to their list of accolades, BLACKPINK has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as global ambassadors for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This appointment not only showcases their influence in the music industry but also highlights their commitment to important global issues.

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The honor of MBE by King Charles to BLACKPINK is a testament to their significant role in advocating for environmental causes and marks a milestone in their journey as artists and global influencers.