At the 76th UNGA, BTS argues for COVID vaccinations and long-term sustainability

It was a United Nations statement by superstar K-pop band BTS that drew the most attention — a plea for vaccines, young people, and the environment’s well-being.

On Monday, the seven-piece musical juggernaut took the stage in front of the famed green-marbled background in the General Assembly hall for a sustainability event to help promote UN goals for 2030, including ending extreme poverty, safeguarding the planet, and attaining gender equality.

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

The pop idols were introduced by South Korean President Moon Jae-in as special presidential envoys and a “exceptionally brilliant group of young men who are connecting with youths all across the world.”

Plea for Vaccination

The musicians in front of world leaders and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were acutely aware of the seriousness of the situation. When band member Jimin fumbled over his words while talking about young people trying to manage the pandemic, it was clear that he was nervous.

Jimin apologised before taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. It was a moment that inspired the “BTS ARMY” of fans to unite behind him on social media in a show of support. During their seven-minute statement, the performers took turns on stage.

But it wasn’t all about the UN’s objectives. The band also debuted a new music video for their current popular tune, ‘Permission to Dance,’ which was shot at the United Nations in New York. While dancing from the General Assembly hall to the courtyard overlooking the East River, the singers sang, “Don’t need to speak the talk, just do the walk.”

Check out BTS’s performance of ‘Permission to Dance’ at the 76th UNGA below

BTS has gained international acclaim for their self-produced music and activism, which includes publicly calling out anti-Asian racism, since its debut in 2013. In 2020, the band reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 list three times and received nominations for major music awards like as the Billboard Music Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards.

ALSO READ – BTS ARMY Supports The Band For Joining UN Global Goals To Fight Racism & Hate Speech