North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is aware of the “considerable cultural influence” of recent K-pop concerts on DPRK society but is willing to continue cultural exchanges, South Korea’s culture minister said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a news conference with foreign media, Do Jong-whan of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) shared his experiences from a four-day trip to Pyongyang earlier in the month.

South Korean singers staged two concerts in Pyongyang on April 1 and 3, with the DPRK leader making a surprise appearance at the first.

Kim recognized that K-pop songs being sung in North Korea