South Korea’s pride: BTS appointed as special presidential envoy, to speak at 76th UN General Assembly
BTS is more than just a K-pop boy group that releases heartfelt songs and breaks countless records. They are also known as South Korea’s pride.
South Korean President Moon Jaein has appointed BTS as the "Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture." The group will serve as the country’s representatives in advocating important issues in line with Moon’s “global agenda for future generations.”
문재인 대통령은 지속가능한 성장 등 미래세대를 위한 글로벌 의제를 선도하고 국제사회에서 높아진 우리나라의 위상에 맞는 외교력의 확대를 위해 방탄소년단(@BTS_twt)을 '미래세대와 문화를 위한 대통령 특별사절(Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture)'로 임명했습니다. pic.twitter.com/AFgUu0GPpD
— 대한민국 청와대 (@TheBlueHouseKR) July 21, 2021
“President Moon Jaein has appointed BTS as a ‘Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture’ to lead the global agenda for future generations such as sustainable growth to expand South Korea’s diplomatic power to match its elevated status in the international community,” Blue House spokesperson Park Kyungmi announced in a press briefing via Soompi.
The appointment of BTS is part of the South Korean government’s initiatives to promote international cooperation to solve global issues.
As special envoys, the group is set to attend various global conferences to advocate for important issues concerning the youth. This includes the 76th UN General Assembly in September in hopes of delivering “messages of comfort and hope to young people around the world.”
This will be BTSs third time to speak at the United Nations, following their efforts to promote self-love and acceptance. The group gave a speech in 2018 and 2020.
The group has been carrying out the “Love Myself” campaign with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The movement aims to end violence towards the youth, and has since raised $3 million worldwide.
BTS recently made headlines after topping the Billboard Hot 100 charts with their feel-good track Permission to Dance.
Banner and thumbnail photo from Big Hit Entertainment