South Korean State visit: Why were Blackpink at Buckingham Palace?

King Charles presented the k-pop band Blackpink with special awards, recognising their work highlighting environmental issues.

The President of South Korea has been in the UK for the last three days on an official state visit, and the King has been enjoying some K-pop to celebrate.

This is the first occasion of its kind since King Charles' Coronation earlier this year.

A state visit is an official invitation from the British monarch for someone to join them at a number of formal events, including a welcome parade and a grand ball at Buckingham Palace.

They are said to be diplomatic events, designed to impress and welcome a leader from overseas to the UK, as well as to discuss global matters such as trade and defence.

Joining South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on the trip were cultural South Korean figures, including k-pop girl band, Blackpink.

Blackpink joined the King, Queen, other members of the Royal family and British and Korean dignitaries at the formal banquet

Roseanne Park, Jennie Kim, Jisoo Kim and Lalisa Manoban were all presented with honorary OBEs by the King.

They were recognised for their environmental campaigning and to recognise their global stardom.

During a formal state banquet on Tuesday evening, the King said he admired the four-piece band for "how they can prioritise these vital issues, as well as being global superstars".

Elsewhere, the royal band outside Buckingham Palace played Korean pop hits including Gangnam Style during the changing of the guard on Wednesday.

The president Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met to discuss trade, science, technology and green energy.

Royal carriages welcomed the South Korean President