JYP's Park Jinyoung to Lead Global Cultural Exchange as K-pop Representative

President Lee Appoints Park Jinyoung as Head of Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange
Choi Hwiyeong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to Serve as Co-Chair
"I Will Seize the Opportunity K-pop Has Captured," Says Park

Park Jin Young, CEO and Chief Producer of JYP Entertainment, is giving a presentation on K-Pop connecting the world at the "2025 APEC Cultural Industry Senior Dialogue Welcome Dinner Reception" held on the 26th of last month at the Uyang Museum of Art in Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk. Photo by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

On September 9, President Lee Jaemyung established the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange and nominated Park Jinyoung, CEO and Chief Producer of JYP Entertainment, and Choi Hwiyeong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as co-chairs.

At a briefing held at the presidential office in Yongsan that day, Kang Hunsik, Chief Presidential Secretary, stated, "Park Jinyoung has been a leading figure in the globalization of K-pop as both a singer and producer," adding, "He is expected to make significant contributions to expanding international cultural exchange and elevating the global status of Korean popular culture."

The Popular Culture Exchange Committee is a presidential advisory body established in response to the growing global interest in Korean culture. It covers all areas of popular culture, including music, dramas, films, and games, and discusses expanding international cooperation, discovering joint global projects, and protecting creators' rights. The government has determined that policy support is particularly necessary, as popular culture, including K-pop, is now influencing diplomatic and economic spheres.

Born in 1971, Park Jinyoung debuted as a solo singer in 1994 and released numerous hit songs such as "Don't Leave Me," "Honey," "I Have a Woman," "She Was Pretty," and "The House You Live In," leaving a strong impression on the Korean music scene in the 1990s. He is credited with transforming the negative image of "dandara" (entertainers) through his bold performances and innovative stage presence.

As a producer, he released hit songs such as Park Jiyoon's "Coming of Age Ceremony" and Um Junghwa's "Invitation," and in 1996, he founded JYP Entertainment, stepping into the role of producer. He has produced numerous stars, including g.o.d, Rain, 2PM, 2AM, Miss A, Twice, Stray Kids, and Day6. Alongside SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment, JYP is recognized as one of the "Big Three" agencies and has contributed to the establishment of the K-pop system.

Jinyoung Park Profile. Photo by JYP Entertainment

In 2003, Park moved to the United States to promote K-pop directly, and in 2009, Wonder Girls became the first Korean artists to enter the Billboard Hot 100 main singles chart with the English version of "Nobody," pioneering K-pop's entry into the American market. Recently, Stray Kids have demonstrated their international competitiveness by achieving seven consecutive No. 1 rankings on the Billboard 200 main album chart, and the band Day6 has also achieved notable results on the global stage.

Recently, Stray Kids have demonstrated their international competitiveness by achieving seven consecutive No. 1 rankings on the Billboard 200 main album chart, and the band Day6 has also achieved significant results by performing at major global festivals.

Currently, Park Jinyoung serves as Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of JYP Entertainment, overseeing global joint projects, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management, and the development of locally tailored idol groups.

Immediately after his nomination, Park stated on social media, "Taking on a government role is daunting and concerning for someone working in the industry, but I decided to accept because I believe K-pop is facing a unique opportunity that must be seized."

He continued, "Whether it was distributing promotional materials in the United States in 2003 or when Wonder Girls made it onto the Billboard charts in 2009, my dream has always been the same: for K-pop to be loved worldwide." He emphasized, "I will do my best to ensure that K-pop takes another leap forward, not just promoting culture but also becoming a platform for people around the world to understand and connect with each other."