Music
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung underlined the growing cultural ties between the two countries by mentioning Odisha-born K-pop star Sriya Lenka on Monday during his three-day visit to India. Speaking at a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Lee cited Sriya’s journey as a reflection of how culture and music can connect people across borders.
While he thanked Murmu and the people of India for their hospitality, his reference to Sriya’s rise in the K-pop world became one of the most notable moments of the evening.
Related Story: Sriya Lenka, Odisha girl becomes first Indian K pop star
Music President Lee Highlights Sriya’s Inspirational Journey
Referring to Sriya’s success story, President Lee spoke about how cultural exchange between India and South Korea is helping young people chase their dreams across borders.
He said, “The power of culture transcends boundaries and connects dreams. A young girl from Odisha province, the hometown of Madam President, became a K-pop star and came home to show the dream she had nurtured in Korea.”
South Korea President Lee Jae Myung recalls how Odisha girl, home state of Indian President became a K Pop star. pic.twitter.com/kLJlRkjGnT
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 21, 2026
The statement drew attention to Sriya’s rise from Odisha to the global K-pop stage, making her one of the most recognised Indian faces in the South Korean music industry.
Music India and South Korea Bound by Shared Aspirations
President Lee also underlined the growing partnership between the two nations and how people-to-people connections are strengthening ties.
He further added, “Our two countries have become true partners who work together to realise our dreams. I also hope that the lamp our two countries would light together will shine its light to reach the lowest levels of our societies as President Murmu mentioned and continue to shine as a beacon of hope around the world.”
어제 저녁, 드라우파디 무르무 인도 대통령께서 베풀어 주신 만찬에 참석해 뜻깊은 시간을 보냈습니다.
사회적 제약과 개인적 어려움을 극복하고 공동체와 소외계층을 위해 헌신해 오신 대통령님의 삶에 깊은 감명을 받았습니다. 오늘날 인도가 보여주는 자신감 역시 대통령님의 용기와 비전에서… pic.twitter.com/c3tcguDXw3
— 이재명 (@Jaemyung_Lee) April 21, 2026
Music Sriya Lenka Made History in K-pop
Sriya created history in May 2022 when she became India’s first K-pop star after being selected as a member of the girl group Blackswan. She earned her place in the band after clearing a competitive global audition process.
The Odisha-born performer officially joined Blackswan on May 26, 2022, marking a major moment for Indian representation in K-pop.
Must Read: Odisha Girl Sriya Lenka On Her Way To Become First-Ever KPop Artiste From India
Music Dignitaries Attend Presidential Banquet
The banquet in honour of President Lee was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and several other dignitaries. Actor Priyanka Mohan was also present at the event and later shared her interaction with Shashi Tharoor through her Instagram Stories.
President Droupadi Murmu received President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. She was happy to note that both sides have set an ambitious agenda for bilateral cooperation across several sectors, including trade,… pic.twitter.com/EFITM7gSTl
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 20, 2026
Glimpses of the meeting of President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan pic.twitter.com/mWzV352uFG
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 21, 2026
Music About Blackswan
Blackswan debuted in 2020 and was launched by DR Music. The current lineup includes leader and Korean singer Go Young Heun, Belgium-based Senegalese singer Fatou Samba, Korean singer-dancer Kim Da Hye, and Brazilian-Japanese singer Larissa Ayumi Cartes Sakata.