South Korea and the United States are planning a joint cultural event featuring famous singers from both countries during President Yoon Seok-yeol's state visit to the United States at the end of April. It is likely that the event will feature South Korean K-pop girl group BLACKPINK and American pop star Lady Gaga.

The performance is expected to draw as much attention as the summit between President Yoon and President Biden.

President Yoon, who is visiting the United States for the first time in 12 years as a state guest, and First Lady Kim Geon-hee will attend a state dinner hosted by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The event's highlights include the participation of approximately 300 notable figures from politics, business, and culture from both countries.

Last December, when French President Emmanuel Macron visited the United States, the event was attended by French actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus and five-time Grammy-winning African-American jazz musician Jon Batiste, among others.

It is reported that the United States and South Korea are coordinating a joint performance by BLACKPINK and Lady Gaga at the state dinner, themed "70th Anniversary of the US-Korea Alliance." In 2020, BLACKPINK collaborated with Lady Gaga on the song "Sour Candy" from her sixth album. A diplomatic source said, "BLACKPINK and Lady Gaga have become fans of each other's music" and "First Lady Jill Biden suggested the collaboration, and discussions are underway between the White House and the Presidential Office."

President Biden has previously expressed interest in K-pop, mentioning its popularity during a joint press conference after the 2021 US-Korea summit.

The United States, as the host country, is primarily responsible for selecting the invitees to the state dinner. Actors from South Korean films "Parasite" and "Minari" and the drama "Squid Game," which are familiar to Americans, are also reportedly being contacted for the invitation list. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said, "There has been no information shared from the US regarding the invitees."

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