BTS Speaks and Performs at the UN General Assembly

K-pop megastars BTS made their third appearance at the 76^th General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday, September 20 in New York City.

The seven-member band, specially appointed by the president of South Korea as the country’s envoys for future generations and culture, took part in the organization’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) program and spoke to world leaders about varying topics, such as climate change, sustainability, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notable quotes from the event include:

“It was a time for us to mourn for the things that COVID took away from us. A time to discover how precious each and every moment we’ve taken for granted was,” said Min Yoon-gi, or Suga.

“I hope we just don’t consider the future as grim darkness. There’s still many pages left in the story about us, and we shouldn’t talk as though the ending’s already been written,” said Kim Tae-hyung, or V.

“Rather than calling this corona generation a ‘lost generation,’ the term ‘welcome generation’ is more suitable. Instead of fearing change, this generation says, ‘Welcome!’ and keeps forging ahead,” said Kim Seok-jin.

After their presentation, the band showed a new music video for their most recent song, “Permission to Dance,” shot at the UN headquarters. In it, they were seen dancing and signing with several civilians.

The video was posted on the UN Youtube channel and has already garnered more than 12 million views.

The massively popular group was first announced to attend the UNGA earlier in July, when South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, gave each member diplomatic passports and appointed them as special envoys for the country.

Moon has repeatedly expressed his support for the singers, lauding them for their positive messages of hope and connection with young fans. “Constantly spreading messages of support and consolation through music to youths around the world suffering from this coronavirus situation, this is not something anyone can do, and I am again grateful for such,” he said, referring to BTS.

Blue House spokeswoman Park Kyung-mi also explained the country’s goal in appointing the K-pop band with such status. “We plan to organize various activities (with BTS) to promote international cooperation in solving global challenges, such as improving the environment, eliminating poverty and inequality, and respecting diversity,” she said in a statement.

Art Daniella Sison