BLACKPINK and the late rock legend Shin Hae-chul were among the honourees at the Korea Culture Awards, recognising their contributions to South Korean popular culture, organisers announced. BLACKPINK, one of the world’s biggest girl groups, were honoured for their global impact and for raising the profile of Korean culture worldwide. Shin Hae-chul, the pioneering rock musician who died in 2014, was honoured posthumously for his influence on Korean rock and popular music. The awards, presented annually, celebrate figures across music, film, television and the arts who have made outstanding contributions to Korean culture. BLACKPINK’s members, currently pursuing solo projects alongside group activities, thanked fans in a statement and said they were “deeply honoured” by the recognition. Shin’s family accepted his award on his behalf, paying tribute to a career that spanned three decades and helped define modern Korean rock.
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