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K-pop group BTS gives at a speech at UN headquarters in New York as part of the launch of Generation Unlimited, a new UNICEF agenda for youth, on Sept. 24. (Kim Jung-hyo, staff photographer)
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“Rap Monster” Kim Nam-joon spreads message of self-love and expression
The “seven minute UN speech” by K-pop group BTS on Sept. 24 struck a chord with many people around the world and has generated a lot of discussion. The speech was given at the United Nations Trusteeship Council hall at UN headquarters in New York as part of the launch of “Generation Unlimited,” a new UNICEF agenda for youth. In line with the program’s goal of providing greater education opportunities to young people around the world, the message of the speech was “love yourself.” BTS first became involved with UNICEF campaigns in November last year, releasing four albums (Wonder, Her, Tear and Answer) in the “Love Myself” series. The group also donated 500 million won (US$449,777) through the Love Myself fund, and used net profits earned from sales of their album series over two years to support UNICEF. The UN speech was delivered by BTS member “Rap Monster” (RM) Kim Nam-joon. In addition to being the first Korean singer to speak at a UN General Assembly event, the speech left a deep impression as Kim spoke about his struggles growing up and reflected on his youth. A staff member from BTS’ label Big Hit Entertainment stated “I believe that RM worked with (company) officials when writing the speech.” Kim began the speech by introducing himself then spoke about the difficulties he had faced at the beginning of his music career. “I stopped looking at the stars in the sky, and I stopped dreaming,” he said. “Even after making the decision to join BTS, there were a lot of hurdles. Some people might not believe but, most people thought we were hopeless, and sometimes I just wanted to quit.” On his decision to continue pursuing music rather than giving up halfway, Kim said “I was very lucky that I didn’t give it all up, and I am grateful. Perhaps we made mistakes in the past, but I am still the same person I was before. It was the mistakes I made in the past that made me who I am today. Those mistakes told me who I am and they are the brightest stars in the universe of my life.” Kim went on to say “No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, gender identity: speak yourself. You need to find your own name and your own voice.” On Twitter, pop music critic Jeong Min-jae wrote “BTS’ presence at the UN and RM’s speech were particularly touching and honest because it links where they came from with their music, and has a sense of continuity. It was a simple but powerful speech.” Korean popera singer Lim Hyung-joo also chimed in with “Seeing BTS give a speech at UN headquarters, the center of world peace, made me feel that the world is really changing.” Blue House Deputy Spokesperson Ko Min-jeong relayed the experience of Kim Jeong-suk, a woman who met BTS at the event. “I am really proud to see BTS standing on stage in front of the world,” she said. “It was really cool. Congratulations.” By Nam Ji-eun, staff reporter Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]
