Jakarta, July 17, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, welcomed South Korean singer, songwriter, and music producer ILHOON in Jakarta on Friday (June 26). The meeting formed part of the Ministry of Creative Economy’s efforts to strengthen its network with international creative talents while promoting Indonesia as a hub for collaboration and a source of inspiration for global creators.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar (left), speaks with South Korean singer, songwriter, and music producer ILHOON (right) after receiving his courtesy visit in Jakarta, Friday (26/06/2026).
"Indonesia possesses a wealth of cultural heritage, creative talent, and breathtaking landscapes capable of inspiring world-class works. We hope to see more international creators collaborate with local talents, creating opportunities that will enhance the global competitiveness of Indonesia’s creative economy," said Irene Umar.
ILHOON shared that Indonesia holds a special place in his life journey. The musician, whose full name is Jung Il-Hoon and who is widely known as a former member of the South Korean idol group BTOB, explained that his father had once worked in Jakarta, allowing him to spend part of his childhood in Indonesia.
That emotional connection was one of the reasons ILHOON chose Indonesia as the filming location for his MICHAELANGELO music video in 2025. Mount Bromo and Surabaya Old Town were selected for their distinctive landscapes and visual character, which perfectly complemented the artistic concept of the music video.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
"The vast, serene, and dramatic landscape of Mount Bromo is one of the most unforgettable sights I will cherish for the rest of my life. The enthusiasm shown by fans in Indonesia following the release of the music video far exceeded my expectations and has motivated me to return more often and continue creating works in Indonesia," said ILHOON.
ILHOON also expressed that he has always felt warmly welcomed by the Indonesian people. The overwhelming support from fans on social media following the filming further strengthened his desire to return and collaborate with Indonesia’s creative ecosystem in the future.
During his stay in Indonesia, ILHOON held a mini concert at Lotte Shopping Avenue on June 27, 2026, and visited a senior high school as part of his activities. He expressed hope that the visit would mark the beginning of a closer relationship with his Indonesian fans while opening opportunities for collaboration with the country’s creative industry players.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere as ILHOON sampled a variety of Indonesian culinary specialties, including soto Betawi, batagor, gado-gado, cireng, putu mayang, and teh poci. The experience further enriched his appreciation of Indonesia’s cultural diversity, which he considers one of the nation's greatest creative economy strengths.
The Ministry of Creative Economy believes that attracting more international creators to choose Indonesia as a production destination and creative partner will further strengthen the national creative economy ecosystem. Through global collaboration, Indonesia is expected to increase the international exposure of its creative works while reinforcing the creative economy as the new engine of growth.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
