J.Y. Park Appointed Co-Chair of Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange: “K-pop Can Become a Platform for Global Connection”

South Korea's iconic singer, songwriter, and producer J.Y. Park—founder and head producer of JYP Entertainment—has been appointed as the co-chair of the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange, a newly established body under President Lee Jae-myung. He will serve alongside Minister Choi Hwi-young of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The Committee, part of the president's pledge to transform Korea into one of the world's top five cultural powerhouses, will function as a public-private platform to expand the global reach of Korean pop culture. Its work will include setting cultural exchange strategies, coordinating international projects, and managing investments and promotional campaigns abroad.

Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon-sik highlighted Park's role in the global expansion of K-pop, saying, "J.Y. Park has long been one of Korea's most prominent artists and a driving force behind K-pop's globalization. His leadership will help more people around the world enjoy Korean pop culture while fostering cultural exchanges that enrich Korea as well."

In a heartfelt statement shared on his social media, Park admitted he was initially hesitant: "Taking on a government role felt overwhelming and worrisome as someone from the entertainment industry. But K-pop is facing such a unique opportunity right now, and I felt I had to step up to ensure we make the most of it."

Reflecting on his decades-long journey, he recalled, "Back in 2003, I was knocking on record label doors in the U.S. to introduce our artists. In 2009, Wonder Girls became the first Korean group ever to enter the Billboard Hot 100. And even today, my dream remains the same—that K-pop is loved all around the world."

He added that he hopes to turn his industry experience into meaningful institutional support: "I want to ensure younger artists receive more opportunities, and I want K-pop to go beyond spreading Korean culture—it should become a space where people around the world can understand and connect with each other."
Industry watchers believe the appointment could mark more than symbolic progress, creating closer ties between cultural policy and the entertainment industry. Fans have already been building global links on their own—subtitling videos, organizing charity drives, and even staging cross-border fan events. Observers note that if government support is added, these efforts could gain more structure. Some also point out that other cultural fields like drama, film, and gaming may ride the same wave if strategies are aligned.

Park, who debuted as a singer in 1994 with hits like "Please Don't Leave Me" and "Honey", has produced iconic tracks for leading artists including Uhm Jung-hwa and Park Ji-yoon. Under JYP Entertainment, Park helped shape groups like g.o.d, Rain, Wonder Girls, TWICE, and Stray Kids. Stray Kids have put out seven albums in a row that topped the Billboard 200, and TWICE—more than ten years on—are still filling stadiums in the U.S.