In this new era of the Korean pop industry, K-pop is not just a music genre anymore, and idols weren't just entertainers only as well. In some rare occasions, K-pop groups connect the leaders around the world, and even brought immense contributions to the success of the economy, may it be of a country or by large corporations.
In this list, you'll see how strong the impact of K-pop on settling the serenity of Korea with its neighbouring countries, including North Korea and the US.
Here are times when K-pop idols and groups were mentioned by leaders and were even invited to attend diplomatic events.
1. BTS
In 2018, BTS Became the first-ever K-pop group to give their speech at the United Nations. UN-Secretary Antonio Guterres, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, etc. were present when they talked about the youth to "speak yourself."
Meanwhile, the South Korean President Moon Jae In also displayed his affection to BTS several times, congratulating the K-pop group for their achievements through SNS, such as when they peak the Billboard Charts.
In 2019, it was also revealed that BTS was invited by the President to meet, and gave them special watches as a 'thank you' gift.
2. EXO
In 2017, the South Korean President brought EXO-CBX (Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin) on his first state visit in China to seek true friendship between the two countries by expanding cultural exchange.
In the same year, then-Presidential candidate Moon Jae In greeted Baekhyun a happy birthday on Twitter.
EXO, along with CL, performed on the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang in 2018.
In 2019, EXO Suho, Chanyeol, Chen, Sehun, Baekhyun and Kai also attended a luxurious cocktail reception in the Blue House, meeting Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka, whom they give their signed albums.
Also, during the meeting of Indonesia's President Jojo Widodo and SoKor leader, President Moon gifted the newlywed Indonesian first daughter an EXO album.
3. SHINee
In 2017, Indonesia's President Joko Widodo and South Korean President Moon Jae In meet, and as a token for the Indonesian first daughter who recently got married, President Moon gifted her Minho's video greetings, along with EXO's album.
In the same year, former President Barack Obama mentioned in his speech during Asia Leadership Conference how Americans were learning Korean to keep up with K-pop group SHINee.
Following this, US First Lady Melania Trump was joined by SHINee's Minho on her two-day visit in Korea for the "Girls Play 2" event, which promotes girls access to sports.
A video then got viral when a couple of students lose their chill after realizing Minho is standing beside the first lady. As a response, first lady Trump smiled broadly to the students.
4. Red Velvet and Girls' Generation Seohyun
In 2018, the female artists flew to Pyeongyang for performances, along with high-profile North Koreans. Among the audience is the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, who revealed that he adjusted his schedule to be there.
Seohyun also performed in the event, and President Moon personally thanked her for touching the whole world.
5. MONSTA X
In 2019, Norway and South Korea celebrated their 60th anniversary of alliance, and MONSTA X was picked by the Korean President to perform on the Oslo Concert.
6. TWICE
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On President Moon's speech on the diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, the leader highlighted the significance of the top K-pop group, BTS, and TWICE.
7. BLACKPINK Lisa and 2PM Nickhun
On an interview, President Moon mentioned talented Thai Performers Nickhun and BLACKPINK Lisa, in regards to the strong bond of Thailand and Korea.
8. IU
On September 2, President Moon Jae In thanked IU for her generosity after helping nurses amidst pandemic by donating cooling vests, etc.
