President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, praised the inspiring journey of Sriya Lenka, a young woman from Odisha who made history as India’s first K pop star, during his recent three day official visit to India. His remarks came during a grand banquet hosted by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at the iconic Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday evening.

During his address, President Lee expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by President Murmu and the people of India. Highlighting the power of cultural exchange, he spoke about the remarkable rise of Sriya Lenka, a 22 year old artist who broke barriers in May 2022 by becoming the first Indian to enter the global K pop industry. She earned her place after successfully clearing a highly competitive international audition and was selected as a member of the globally recognized K pop girl group Blackswan.

President Lee emphasized how culture transcends geographical and social boundaries, stating that Sriya Lenka’s journey from Odisha to the global K pop stage reflects the shared dreams and aspirations between India and South Korea. He noted that her story is a symbol of growing cultural ties between the two nations and represents how talent can flourish beyond borders when given the right opportunities.

He further highlighted the strengthening partnership between India and South Korea, expressing hope that the collaboration between the two countries will continue to bring positive change. According to him, the symbolic “lamp” lit by both nations will not only illuminate bilateral relations but also reach the grassroots levels of society, spreading hope and opportunity worldwide.

The prestigious banquet was attended by several high profile dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The event also saw the presence of popular Tamil actor Priyanka Mohan, who later shared glimpses from the evening on social media, including her interaction with Shashi Tharoor.

Sriya Lenka officially joined Blackswan on May 26, 2022, marking a historic moment for India’s representation in the global music industry. The group, which originally debuted in 2020 under DR Music, has since gained international recognition for its diverse lineup and cross cultural appeal. Current members of Blackswan include leader Go Young Heun, Belgium based Senegalese artist Fatou Samba, Korean performer Kim Da Hye, and Brazilian Japanese singer Larissa Ayumi Cartes Sakata.

Sriya Lenka’s journey continues to inspire countless young aspirants across India, especially from smaller towns, proving that global dreams are achievable through talent, dedication, and perseverance. President Lee’s recognition of her achievement on such a prestigious platform further reinforces the growing cultural bridge between India and South Korea, highlighting the importance of art, music, and youth in strengthening international relations.