[OSENWORLD] Billboard has spotlighted J.Y. Park and his unprecedented appointment as co-chair of South Korea’s newly created Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange.
In a feature published on September 10 (local time), Billboard described the move as historic: “It is unprecedented for an active artist to be appointed to a cabinet-level position. J.Y. Park debuted in 1994 and has been beloved by the public ever since. In 1996, he founded JYP Entertainment, which has grown into one of Korea’s top entertainment companies, producing numerous stars. In 2009, the Wonder Girls’ ‘Nobody’ became the first Korean song to enter the Billboard Hot 100, and most recently Stray Kids made history as the first act in the 70-year history of the Billboard 200 to achieve seven consecutive No. 1 albums. Park and JYP have been at the forefront of opening new markets, sustaining success, and showing strong growth prospects.”
The Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange was officially launched on September 9 amid growing global interest in Korean culture — from music and dramas to film and gaming. The committee was established to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors and to advance the global expansion of Korean popular culture. Park will serve as co-chair alongside Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young.
In response to his appointment, Park wrote on his personal social media: “My dream remains the same: for K-pop to be loved around the world. I will work hard so that younger artists can gain better opportunities. I will do my utmost to help K-pop take another leap forward — not only to spread our culture but also to create a platform where people around the world can better understand and connect with one another.”
Since debuting as a singer in 1994, Park has released numerous hits including “Don’t Leave Me,” “Proposal Song,” “Honey,” “She Was Pretty,” and “Who’s Your Mama (feat. Jessi).” As both an artist and the creative force behind JYP Entertainment, he has played a pivotal role in shaping K-pop’s global rise and remains one of its most enduring icons.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
