Prabowo Shows Finger Heart Pose with Indonesian K-Pop Idol Carmen H2H at Korea's Blue House

President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to South Korea featured an unusual moment that captured public attention: a blend of high-level diplomacy with a touch of pop culture. During the official agenda at the Blue House, Prabowo was seen posing casually with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Carmen, a member of the Indonesian-origin K-pop group Hearts2Hearts (H2H). The trio compactly displayed the finger heart symbol, a signature gesture of K-pop idols symbolising closeness to fans. The portrait was uploaded via President Lee’s official account and quickly sparked interest, presenting a different side to the usually rigid and formal bilateral relations. Carmen, whose full name is Nyoman Ayu Carmenita, became a key figure in this moment. She is not just a guest but a new representation of Indonesia on the global stage as the first Indonesian citizen to debut under SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s entertainment industry giants. Her presence at the state luncheon underscores that Indonesia-South Korea relations now extend beyond economy and politics to the power of popular culture as a tool for soft diplomacy. Behind this relaxed moment, the main agenda proceeded seriously. Prabowo and Lee agreed to strengthen ties through a special comprehensive strategic partnership, an exclusive status held only by Indonesia in its relations with South Korea. Additionally, the two countries formalised 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) across sectors, reinforcing long-term cooperation directions. On the same occasion, Prabowo received South Korea’s highest award, The Grand Order of Mugunghwa. The finger heart moment thus became a new symbol, where diplomacy is built not only through negotiation tables but also through cultural touches closer to the global public.