K-Pop Band BTS Encourages a Better Change in the World

BTS recently spoke at a national event, and their message of positivity is one that all of us needed to hear.

All eyes were on screens to watch BTS represent South Korea in a United Nations speech advocating for 2030 U.N. goals such as worldwide vaccinations, an end to poverty, acknowledgment of global warming, and better gender equality. 

President Moon Jae-in, South Korean President, appointed BTS as special presidential envoys “who are connecting with the youth across the world.” The band members each took turns during their speeches to share stories from the future generation.   

“If we believe in possibilities and hope – even when the unexpected happens – we will not lose our way, but discover new ones.”

Ahead of #UNGA General Debate, @BTS_twt were at UNHQ with a special performance & message of support for the #GlobalGoals. https://t.co/zn7vVonyg3 pic.twitter.com/SXW3N7aKHf

— United Nations (@UN) September 20, 2021

BTS member R.M. opened the speech by thanking the leaders for giving them the stage. Then, he explains their discovery when asking the younger generation what their life was like in the last two years. Jimin talked about how young people navigate the pandemic, especially when big milestones in people’s lives have to be canceled. BTS also explained how heartbreaking it was to cancel their long-planned concert tours.

However, the K-pop band encouraged people to look beyond the darkness of the pandemic and celebrate the new advancements this year, such as vaccines, that allow us to enjoy life again. 

During his interview at UN’s SDG Moment with @BTS_twt, President Moon Jae-in said about BTS: “They are a very special group in the sense that they are returning the love they receive from their fans all over the world through spreading this positive influence to all.” #BTSxUN pic.twitter.com/JWKbF1e3uN

— KpopHerald (@Kpop_Herald) September 21, 2021

One of the BTS members, V, noted, “We have people who are concerned for the world and searching for the answers. There are still many pages left in a story about us, and I thought we shouldn’t talk like the ending has already been written.” 

R.M. also explains, “I’ve heard that people in their teens and 20s today are being referred to as COVID’s lost generation– that they’ve lost their way at a time when they need the most diverse opportunities and must try new things, but I think it’s a stretch to say they’re lost just because grown-up eyes can’t see the path they tread.”

Jimin emphasizes that the new generation isn’t lost at all. Instead, it is important to find the courage to take on new challenges. He says, “I think that’s why, instead of the ‘lost generation,’ a more appropriate name would be the ‘welcome generation’ because instead of fearing change, this generation says ‘welcome’ and keeps forging ahead.” 

.@BTS_twt as the special presidential envoy at the 76th UN General Assembly: “We’re not the”lost generation,” but the “welcome generation” of COVID-19. Let’s join hands together and work together so that we can build a better tomorrow.” 💜 pic.twitter.com/jJapKibZJ4

— KpopHerald (@Kpop_Herald) September 21, 2021

In addition, the group takes the time to acknowledge their personal vaccinations and the importance of receiving them to keep the new reality going forward. They hope to see their fans again, face-to-face, and view the vaccines as a ticket to getting that chance.

BTS is one of the many popular artists that have urged everyone to receive vaccines. Earlier this year, Olivia Rodrigo spoke at the White House to encourage everyone to get their vaccines as well. This new move to get relevant figures to spread important messages has proven to be an effective strategy to get younger generations to listen.

The k-pop band ends their empowering speech with their song and music video for “Permission to Dance” as a welcome message to this next move in the world. 

BTS has been known for their activism, including fighting against anti-Asian racism and their continual support for U.N. events. Not only is their activism impressive, but it is also refreshing to see such a big group use their national platform to spread positive change.  

Take the time to watch their U.N. speech and see what you can do to help your community.