Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Attends Handprinting Ceremony and Meet & Greet with Minho and HIGHLIGHT

Jakarta, 18 January 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency expressed its appreciation for the spirit of collaboration among local creative works showcased in the K-Life & K-Live Indonesia HUG K-Pop Concert series. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar stated that the presentation by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea together with the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA Indonesia) marks a promising beginning for closer collaboration between Indonesia and Korea.

“The year 2026 marks the beginning of collaboration between KOCCA and Indonesia. This collaborative spirit must certainly be supported by strengthening and expanding cultural exchange to deepen the development of a sustainable creative industry,” said Deputy Minister Irene Umar.

The HUG K-Pop Concert series, which featured Minho (SHINee) and HIGHLIGHT on Saturday night, 17 January 2026, continued on Sunday, 18 January 2026, with a Handprinting Ceremony, Meet & Greet, and Friday Noraebang at the Main Atrium of KOREA 360, Lotte Mall, Jakarta. Deputy Minister Irene Umar, who attended the event, also conveyed the spirit of collaboration through her attire, wearing a Hanbok integrated with Batik techniques. The event was also attended by Deputy Minister for Population and Family Development / Deputy Head of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), Isyana Bagoes Oka.

Deputy Minister Irene Umar emphasized that the development of new collaborative opportunities can contribute to increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of both countries, enabling the creative industry to continue growing. This was reflected during the HUG K-Pop Concert, which featured Indonesian singer Tiara Andini and local Intellectual Property (IP) such as Fun Cican.

“During last night’s HUG K-Pop Concert, the Ministry of Creative Economy witnessed firsthand how local IPs and national musical talents could stand alongside talented artists from Korea. This reflects a heartfelt collaboration born out of love, as a form of cross-cultural global fusion that continues to evolve,” said Deputy Minister Irene Umar, who was accompanied by Deputy for Media Creativity Agustini Rahayu.

The Handprinting Ceremony served as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between Korea and Indonesia, while the Meet & Greet session provided an exclusive interaction experience through a talk session and direct engagement between fans and their idols, Minho (SHINee) and HIGHLIGHT.

Minho is a member of the boy group SHINee, which debuted in 2008 under SM Entertainment. Known as a charismatic performer with strong stage presence, Minho is also active as an actor and solo artist. He continues to expand his career in the Korean entertainment industry, including the release of his first single album titled Tempo.

“My plans for 2026 are still being adjusted to my schedule, but I will definitely return to Indonesia to spend more time with fans here,” said Minho.

KOCCA Indonesia is an institution established to support the development of Korean creative content, both domestically and globally. Since becoming the first KOCCA branch in Southeast Asia in October 2016, KOCCA Indonesia has played a key role in promoting and strengthening cooperation in Korea’s creative industries, including broadcasting, animation and characters, music, fashion, comics, games, and immersive content. Collaboration with the Ministry of Creative Economy represents a follow-up to discussions initiated in October 2025, aimed at revitalizing the creative industry through music concerts and engaging cultural exchange.

Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency