Recently, кσяєαn media outlets have extensively reported on the growing cooperation between the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the кσяєα Cultural Heritage Foundation, following the Met’s repatriation of the Buddhist artwork “Chilbosan,” which is believed to have been taken out of кσяєα during the period of U.S. military governance. They have also highlighted the museum’s кσяєαn Art gallery, which houses renowned works such as celadon ceramics, Goryeo-era (918–1392) Buddhist paintings, and Joseon-era (1392–1910) porcelain and lacquerware.

The кσяєα Herald further reported that, according to Max Hollein, Director and CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the museum is expanding its кσяєαn contemporary art collection within the gallery, featuring newly acquired works by prominent artists such as Lee Bul, Yee Soo-kyung, Kim Min-jung, and Lee U-fan. Hollein also pledged that the Met would take a more active role in collecting and exhibiting кσяєαn contemporary art.

Interestingly, these developments are believed to be partly the result of BTS’s visit in September 2021, when they attended as special presidential envoys accompanying South кσяєα’s First Lady Kim Jung-sook at the time. A recent discussion involving experts and former Blue House protocol secretary Tak Hyun-min—who organized the schedule for that visit—has gone viral, offering deeper insight into BTS’s “influence.”

Specifically, Tak revealed: “Many people didn’t even know the Met had a кσяєαn art exhibit. And there’s actually a waiting list for art donations. The Met receives so many high-value pieces that they can’t accept everything right away". Journalist Kim then asked, “So at first, they gave you the cold shoulder?” Tak did not deny it, responding: “Yes, so I said, ‘Well, that’s too bad—there’s nothing we can do.’”

The aftermath of that conversation is legendary! Tak recalled telling the Met personnel: "Our First Lady and special envoys BTS were planning to be there, but we’ll ask the other art museums". According to Tak, all the problems were solved before he could even wrap up that sentence. It happened so fast that he couldn't help but ask, "Weren't you guys just saying how busy you were?".

At that point, the situation completely turned around, including how the Met received the delegation. “At first, their suggestion was to hold a simple event. Then, they offered their roof garden for the event”, Tak recalled. At the museum’s rooftop garden that year, RM delivered a message: “K-culture, such as K-pop, K-dramas, and K-movies, has been gaining prominence in many areas, but many great кσяєαn artists have not yet gained attention abroad. As Special Presidential Envoys for Future Generations and Culture who are representing кσяєα, we will dutifully work hard to spread awareness of the greatness of кσяєαn culture and its potential.”

In addition, BTS, together with First Lady Kim Jung-sook and then Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwang Hee, presented the artwork “Rhythm of Five Colors” by contemporary lacquer artist Chung Haecho to the museum—soмєтнing the Met had previously been “not ready” to accept due to a long queue of high-value donation offers. Tak also noted that the Met thoughtfully arranged for the First Lady and BTS to tour its кσяєαn art collection in the museum’s internal storage facilities.

This was not the only incident demonstrating that “BTS has as much power as heads of state.” In his book “Mr. President,” Tak shared another anecdote from the day of the SDG conference. Due to tightened security and restricted access at the United Nations General Assembly, even a high-ranking кσяєαn official was unable to enter despite repeated explanations. However, the situation immediately changed when he presented a photo taken with BTS during a rehearsal the previous day—security personnel allowed him entry without hesitation.

At this point, fans could not help but marvel at BTS’s diplomatic influence, leading to various discussions and reactions:

- SK leeching on BTS as always without giving them anything in return. I’m at least glad that our boys have reached the place where only their names can make attitudes change, gives me peace that they will be treated good and be well received around the world

- This was so ‘…that’s too bad…BTS was gonna attend…we’ll ask the other art museum then’. King power really

- National Intelligence Service ever used BTS’s concert schedule to request m1ssiles from the UAE. Not new at all. They're national treasure. But I hate how they don’t genuinely appreciate or protect the boys

- The SK gov is not afraid to use BTS’ name in one second, yet they r нσяяιвℓє to them. Anyway, our boys are really on the next level

- They are so shameless they use BTS for their benefits but when they need to protect BTS they act like BTS are nobody. With BTS comeback performance they brought 2 million tourists into SK it's the record-breaking tourism surge in March 2026.

- It’s honestly insane how BTS can open doors at places like the UN and The Met. That’s not just influence—that’s power. But at the same time, it makes me wonder how much the Seoul government has relied on them behind the scenes

- The fact that a single mention of BTS can flip the attitude of major institutions says everything