K-pop sensations BTS and BLACKPINK have once again made history in the world of music! As their respective hit songs “DNA” and “Whistle” have been honored with induction into the prestigious Korean World Music Culture Hall of Fame. 

According to a Herald Economy report, the 2023 Korea World Music Culture Hall of Fame has announced its first inductees. The list, which consists of 21 songs – 20 domestic and one overseas – was made by the Korean Federation of Copyright Societies. 

Furthermore, the report noted that the inducted list aims to convey universal human values such as love, peace, freedom, and happiness to the world. Which is why their chosen songs span the spectrum of Korean music, from classics like Go Bok-su’s “Living in a Foreign Country” to K-pop releases that garnered global popularity. 

Notably, it’s BTS’ iconic track “DNA” and BLACKPINK’s hit song “Whistle” that made it to the list. Both were recognized for being an “essential song for the sustainable development of K-pop globally.” 

Other Korean songs inducted in the list include releases from Cho Yong Pil, Seo Taiji and Boys, Choi Jin Hee, Lee Dong Won, Patty Kim, and more. Among the 21 songs inducted, “Blowing in the Wind” by Bob Dylan is the first overseas track to be included. 

Moreover, the report mentioned that the Korean World Music Culture Hall of Fame plans to announce a new set of inductees once a month following this first announcement. Additionally, the Korean Federation of Copyright Organizations believes that this list will provide hope and support to music, culture, and arts enthusiasts and organizers at home and abroad. 

BTS & BLACKPINK fans rejoice!

Given that this is the first for the initiative, fans of both BTS and BLACKPINK couldn’t help but celebrate that songs from the group were included in the list. For them, this achievement not only solidifies their status as global music icons but also acknowledges the profound impact they’ve had on the Korean music industry and the world.

In August 2016, BLACKPINK made their debut with tracks “BOOMBAYAH” and “Whistle” on the single album Square One. Particularly, “Whistle” was even recognized by Billboard as one of the best releases of 2016, a first for a newly debuted K-pop group. Since then, the four-piece act has firmly established themselves as a global music sensation. 

As for BTS, this recent inclusion is just another addition to their long-list of achievements. With the 2017 song “DNA,”  the K-pop juggernaut set several records for the group, including being the first Korean boy group music video to hit one billion views on YouTube. 

Although both songs are already several years old, it’s refreshing to see how they’re still achieving new feats until today.

Featured image: BTS poses for their 2022 Festa Family portrait. Credit: Facebook/BTS