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K-pop stars BTS dip into global diplomacy at UN gathering

K-pop stars BTS dip into global diplomacy at UN gathering

The seven-member group gave a speech in the General Assembly hall to promote the UN goals for 2030.
21 Sep, 2021

It was a United Nations speech that got attention like few others — a plug for vaccines, young people and the earth’s well being from superstar K-pop band BTS.

Addressing the stage for a sustainability event, the seven-member musical juggernaut appeared before the renowned green-marbled backdrop in the General Assembly hall on Monday to help promote U.N. goals for 2030 including ending extreme poverty, preserving the planet and achieving gender equality.

“Every choice we make is the beginning of change, not the end,” said RM, the band’s leader.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in introduced the pop stars as special presidential envoys and an “exceptionally outstanding group of young men who are connecting with the youth across the world.”

The gravity of the moment wasn’t lost on the musicians standing before world leaders and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Nerves were evident when band member Jimin stumbled over his words while talking about young people trying to navigate the pandemic. Jimin apologised before taking a breath to recollect himself. It was a moment that prompted the “BTS ARMY” of fans to rally behind him in a show of support on social media. The artists took turns on stage during their seven-minute speech.

Photo:Reuters
Photo:Reuters

But it wasn’t all about U.N. goals. The group also unveiled a new music video for its current hit single “Permission to Dance,” which was filmed at U.N. Headquarters in New York. The singers crooned, “Don’t need to talk the talk, just walk the walk,” while dancing their way from the General Assembly hall to the garden overlooking the East River.

Since its debut in 2013, BTS has garnered global recognition for its self-produced music and activism, which also includes publicly calling out anti-Asian racism. The band topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart three times in 2020, and was nominated for prominent music awards like Billboard Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Monday’s speech marked the group’s second appearance at the U.N. The band took part in an event in 2018, when RM spoke about its work with UNICEF.

Comments

H Sep 21, 2021 11:34am
From nelson mandela to K pop!
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Wajiha Sep 21, 2021 03:39pm
Bts
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Sep 21, 2021 04:14pm
Who cares?
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Sp Sep 21, 2021 04:34pm
So impressive that artists don't just talk about making a different but are taking steps to actually make it. BTS influence is unparalleled and there couldn't be better people to represent the 'welcome generation'.
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Hania Sep 21, 2021 08:46pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad everyone
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Alishba Sep 21, 2021 11:13pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad millions of people
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Alishba Sep 21, 2021 11:14pm
Thankyou Dawn for always writing beautiful articles
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Siddique Sep 23, 2021 11:41am
Great article. Thank you for writing this.
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Maryam Fatima Sep 23, 2021 03:05pm
I am very happy job of BTS army ❤️
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Maryam Fatima Sep 23, 2021 03:06pm
I am Muslim and I am happy to job of BTS army
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