BTS Speaks and Performs at the United Nations General Assembly

The members of BTS in front of the headquarters of the UN (From left to right: Jungkook, J-Hope, Suga, V, Jimin, Jin, RM)

Shortly after becoming the youngest people to receive diplomatic passports, the world renowned musical septet BTS not only attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), but also provided individual discussion pieces. The group of young men have become familiar faces at the UNGA since 2018. At the time, the band's leader RM provided a speech of hope for tomorrow and encouragement to "speak yourself." In the following years, the fellow members gave similar messages of hope in heartfelt speeches. At the 2021Sustainable Development Goals Moment, the South Korean President Moon Jae-in spoke followed by BTS, Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture. Here are a few highlights from each member:

Suga (left) pictured beside Jin (left)

JIN

"[The people in photos] look like they are finding new courage and taking on new challenges. 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."

"There were times during the past two years when I too felt bewildered and troubled but still here we have people who cry out, “Let’s live on. Let’s make the best of this moment.”

Suga (middle) between members V (left) and Jin (right)

SUGA

"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’d taken for granted were."

"There will be choices we make that may not be perfect. But that does not mean there will be nothing we can do. That’s what I think."

RM speaking with intent and hope

RM

"The future is unexplored territory. And that’s where we more than anyone will spend our time."

"I’ve heard that people in their teens and twenties 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. They must try new things. But I think it’s a stretch to say they’re lost just because the paths they tread can by seen by grown-up eyes."

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

"I believe that every choice we make is the beginning of change, not the end."

J-hope pictured on the right with Jimin

J-HOPE

"What is important are the choices we make when we’re faced with change. Right?"

Jimin speaking (right) with Jungkook (left)

JIMIN

"[The people in photos] are trying to learn new things and trying to figure new things out. They don’t look lost."

V (left) speaking with Suga (right)

V

"Efforts are continuously underway to keep this new reality going forward. I think the day we can meet again face to face is not far away. Until then I hope we can fill each of our days to the brim with positive energy."

RM (left) intently listening to Jungkook (right)

JUNGKOOK

"Here I’m the same as I was yesterday, but the world changed."

After a wonderful and striking presentation, the previously filmed performance of their hopeful song Permission to Dance began. If you have not already seen it, it is highly recommended that you take less than five minutes of your day to play the performance. Permission to Dance is an enjoyable song and dance for youth and elders to all join serving as an encouragement to continue forward through our frozen times together.

Members from left to right in front of the UN Emblem: Jin, V, RM, Suga, Jimin, Jungkook, and J-Hope

Some members spoke less, causing for fewer lines to be pulled from one than another. All members had significant pieces to contribute to the collective message.