Celebrity Diplomats: K-Pop Band BTS Performs at UN General Assembly
14:36 GMT 20.09.2021 (Updated: 10:51 GMT 26.10.2022)
© REUTERS / John Angelillo
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One of the most popular pop bands in the world has joined the likes of Joe Biden in New York to promote sustainable development.
South Korean boy band BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, has performed their song "Permission to Dance" at the United Nations General Assembly.
The band represent South Korea as celebrity diplomats at the UN, as the world leaders return to New York to discuss climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Every choice we make is the beginning of change." @bts_twt
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 20, 2021
Take the first step to create the world you want to see. #UNGA #PermissiontoDance #BTSLoveMyself pic.twitter.com/j52G5I6Fkm
The former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon who will attend the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, said that BTS were of “great help diplomatically”.
“We always thought about whether we could repay all the love we have received and give back at the same time, and we are honored that the president has given us such a great opportunity and [we] will work hard as special envoys,” said BTS member RM, commenting on their appearance at the UN.
Social media users reacted extensively to the performance of the band at the GA.
Thank you @UN for providing such an awesome opportunity to our boys #BTS. WE #BTSARMY are beyond proud of them. They did amazing today.#OURPRIDEBTS #BTSatUNGA #bestleaderkimnamjoon pic.twitter.com/TTLtYDdO5Z
— Jimin's sister-in-law🇧🇩 (@Shirin_rony_bts) September 20, 2021
— 마하 ❥• TAEMIN (@mahaa_rx) September 20, 2021
We are proud of you @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/2F9pSwSTqG
— Sanshu_15_v (@15Sanshu) September 20, 2021
The United Nations has thanked the band, calling on everyone to join BTS and making "your promise for a better future for all".
Some world leaders will attend the GA meeting in person, including US President Joe Biden, in what will be his first UN visit since taking office.
Other heads of state will address the Assembly via video messages, due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions still in place.
