LONDON — Lisa, Rose, Jisoo Kim and Jennie Kim from the K-Pop band Blackpink now hold honorary MBEs from King Charles III.
The Member of the Order of the British Empire honor, or MBE, was awarded to the South Korean band at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
“I can only admire how they can prioritize these vital issues, as well as being global superstars,” said the king, referring to their environmental efforts.
Blackpink are ambassadors for the COP climate change summit.
King Charles at Buckingham Palace with South Korean girl band Blackpink.
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To collect her award, Lisa wore a dress and cape by Thai brand Asava; Rose wore a gray Saint Laurent suit; Jennie wore a tweed number from Chanel and Jisoo wore a black Dior Bar jacket with a shin-length skirt and high heels, as well as a Cartier Crash watch in 18-karat yellow gold.
The king has been hosting the president and first lady of South Korea in London as part of a state visit.
On Tuesday evening, Blackpink was among guests at the state banquet held at the palace attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
At the state dinner, the king referenced his 1992 trip to South Korea with the late Princess Diana.
“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 said.
The purpose of the state visit is to strengthen trade links and military partnerships between the U.K. and South Korea with President Yoon Suk Yeol meeting with British prime minister Rishi Sunak and newly appointed foreign secretary Lord Cameron.