The Korean government has decided to award an Order Of Cultural Merit to members of the group BTS, which has emerged as a “world star.”
According to a statement made on October 8 by a spokesperson for Cheong Wa Dae (the ‘Blue House’), South Korean President Moon Jae In awarded both BTS and actor Lee Soon Jae with the high honor, which recognizes “outstanding meritorious services in the fields of culture and art in the interest of promoting the national culture and national development.”
Blue House spokesperson Kim Ui Gyeom said, “We have decided to award seven members of BTS, which has contributed to the development of Korean pop culture and arts.”
Prime Minister Lee Nak Yeon added, “With many of the youth in foreign countries collectively singing lyrics in our language, not only have they spread Hallyu, but they are also contributing to the spread of the Korean language.”
BTS is the first idol group to receive an Order of Cultural Merit, and the members are also the youngest ever recipients.
The Cabinet decided to award medals and awards for 19 people who worked in 19 categories, including those who worked for police and firefighting Day.