Recognized for Raising Climate Change Awareness through COP26 Ambassador Role
King Charles III of the United Kingdom awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), one of the British Empire honors, to the girl group BLACKPINK, who served as ambassadors for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), on the 22nd (local time).
King Charles III presented the British Empire honors to all BLACKPINK members?Ros?, Jisoo, Jennie, and Lisa?at a cultural and arts encouragement event held at Buckingham Palace that day. President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, who are on a state visit to the UK, also attended the event.
The British Empire honors are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to British society or achieved outstanding accomplishments in fields such as politics, economy, culture and arts, science, and sports. The Beatles were the first musicians to receive an MBE in 1965, and singer Adele was also awarded an MBE in 2013.
The British Empire honors are divided into five ranks: Knight or Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE), Knight or Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE or DBE), Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Among these, the MBE awarded to BLACKPINK is the lowest, fifth rank.
King Charles III’s decades-long efforts to raise global awareness about the climate crisis, along with the UK’s role as the chair country of COP26 since 2021, appear to have influenced BLACKPINK’s receipt of the British Empire honor. The presidential office explained that BLACKPINK received the honor "in recognition of their contribution to raising global citizens’ awareness of the need to respond to climate change."
King Charles III shook hands and conversed individually with the BLACKPINK members. BLACKPINK was also invited to the state banquet hosted by King Charles III the previous day for President Yoon. At that time, King Charles III briefly spoke with Jisoo about the state banquet held the night before.
King Charles III smiled and said, "I would like to see BLACKPINK perform live as well."
President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee observed the medal awarding ceremony from behind. Afterwards, King Charles III took commemorative photos with BLACKPINK and the presidential couple.
The presidential office reported that President Yoon said, "It was impressive that BLACKPINK has worked hard on the global agenda of climate change as ambassadors for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and COP26. I hope BLACKPINK, who plays a significant role in enhancing national interests, will continue such excellent activities in the future."
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