You cannot deny how inspirational BTS is to so many people and how much hope and support they give to their fans around the world.
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Yes, you may know BTS as the biggest boy band in the world right now, widely known for their chart-topping songs, slick dance moves, and extremely loyal and dedicated fans. But behind all the glitz and glamour, BTS has always made sure to use their platform to promote and raise awareness for important causes and themes of the youth.
All the way back during their early years with No Dream and N.O, the group used their songs as a way to share a message about young people following their dreams and not needing to follow society’s standards. No matter how successful they have gotten, the group always takes the time to share a positive and hopeful message. With that being said, here are just a few times BTS used their platform and voices to help make the world a better place.
THEY SPOKE AT THE WHITE HOUSE AGAINST ANTI-ASIAN HATE
Fans sometimes like to jokingly call RM as President RM. Well, we got one step closer to that reality when the group was invited to speak at the White House. For the final day of Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, the group was invited to speak with President Biden about Anti-Asian American hate. This isn’t the first time BTS has spoken about racism (more on that later), but this one feels extra special considering it was in the White House. “Hi, we’re BTS. It is a great honor to be invited to the White House today to discuss the important issues of anti-Asian hate crimes, Asian inclusion and diversity,” RM said.
Each member, dressed in sleek black suits that complemented their dark hair, then took turns talking at the podium. “We were devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes including Asian-American hate crimes, but to put a stop to this and support the cause, we’d like to take this opportunity to voice ourselves once again,” expressed Jimin. Suga then pointedly stated “It’s not wrong to be different, and equality begins when we open up and embrace all of our differences,” while V concluded “Everyone has their own history. We hope today is one step forward to respecting and understanding each and every one as a valuable person.”. The moment was another reminder of how BTS won’t hesitate to use their voice when needed.
THEY SPOKE AT THE UN TO PROMOTE YOUTH CAUSES
Given the impact and influence BTS has on the youth, the group was invited to speak at the United Nations not once, but thrice. And on all three occasions, they made sure to talk about relevant issues relating to the youth. The first time they spoke at the UN was in 2018. They were there to promote UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, an education, and employment program for young people. “No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, your gender identity, just speak yourself,” said RM in an inspiring speech.
They then spoke again in the 75th UN General Assembly in 2020 and directly discussed the impact of COVID-19 on young people’s lives. While they did acknowledge that times are uncertain right now, they wanted the youth to look towards the future with the message “life goes on, let’s live on.” Their most recent appearance at the UN was just recently this September 20. Named by South Korea’s president as “Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture,” BTS spoke once more at the UN where they touched upon a lot of relevant issues. They spoke up about climate change, the importance of getting vaccinated, and the resiliency of the youth.
“Instead of COVID’s ‘lost generation,’ a more appropriate name would be the ‘welcome generation’ because instead of fearing change, this generation says ‘welcome’ and keeps forging ahead,” said Jin. “There are still many pages left in the story about us and I feel like we shouldn’t talk like the ending has already been written”, added V. They then capped their appearance with a pre-recorded performance of Permission To Dance that saw them perform in and around the UN building.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
teamwork makes the dream work.
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) March 19, 2013
For any ARMY, this is one of the big recurring themes BTS always shares. As far back as 2013, the group has always made a point that they couldn’t be where they are today if it wasn’t for teamwork and the combined efforts of both the members and the fans. Whenever BTS achieves or receives a major milestone, RM is always there to say that working together is why they are where they are right now. It’s a message that may seem cliché, but it’s one that people take for granted.
THEY USE THEIR SONGS TO SHARE INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGES
Ever since their debut, BTS has used their songs and music as a medium to share positive, uplifting, and timely messages. Just scroll through their discography and you’ll find a song like this in no time. But some of their notable examples include Permission To Dance, their most recent single. Aside from the positive and upbeat vibe of the song, the music video also includes a lot of regular people dancing along to the song as a way to say that anyone can join in and you don’t need permission to dance. The choreography of the song incorporates sign language that means fun, peace, and dance to make the dance and song accessible to more people.
There also their 2017 hit Spring Day. The track is a passionate and emotional ballad about love and loss and reflecting on the past. While not fully confirmed by BTS themselves, a lot of fans speculate that Spring Day is about or related to the tragic sinking of the Sewol ferry in 2014. Regardless, the song has been a go-to for fans in the need of a comforting song.
BTS DEDICATED A WHOLE ALBUM SERIES TO LOVING YOURSELF
If you’ve been following BTS for a while now, then you know that the group has a saying that before you can love anyone, you have to love and take care of yourself first. The group took that message to heart when they released an entire album series dedicated to loving yourself. It began with Love Yourself: Her in 2017. That was then followed up by Love Yourself: Tear in 2018 and the compilation album Love Yourself: Answer a year later. Aside from the positive message each album brings, a portion of the sales from the albums went to support programs that help youth who experienced violence.
THEY STARTED THEIR LOVE MYSELF CAMPAIGN TO HELP END YOUTH VIOLENCE
BTS’s message of loving yourself wouldn’t be just limited to their songs and albums. The group took things one step further and started the Love Myself campaign in November 2017. The campaign was another way to promote the group’s self-love and mental health message to the world and encourage the youth to love and appreciate themselves more. The campaign also asked fans to post self-loving photos with an accompanying positive message.
It also partnered with UNICEF’s #ENDViolence campaign against children with donations going to help support victims of school violence and sexual assault. As of March 2021, the Love Myself campaign has raised over $3 million globally. The campaign was also initially meant to last two years but has since been renewed.
BTS HAS PARTICIPATED IN A LOT OF PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS
Not only has BTS lent their name to various social causes, but they also have used their wealth to give back and support various charities. Among many donations, the group has donated rice to charity, gave money to support students and help them with their education, supported hospitals, gave to families of the victims of the Sewol ferry sinking, and even auctioned off their items for charity. BTS’s generosity has also inspired their fans to support and take up charitable causes in the name of the band.
THEY SPEAK UP AGAINST RACISM
#StopAsianHate#StopAAPIHate pic.twitter.com/mOmttkOpOt
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) March 30, 2021
BTS is no stranger to experience racism nor are they blind to the racism faced by other minorities. Prior to their White House visit, the group has addressed this real and ever pervasive issue. In the wake of protests around racial injustice in June 2020, BTS took to social media to speak up against racism and show their support for Black Lives Matter. They also took things a step further and donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter. ARMY then matched the group and raised another $1 million to support racial justice initiatives. BTS also weren’t silent in the attacks and its chilling aftermaths against Asian Americans in early 2021. They made a public statement denouncing Asian hate by referencing their own struggles with racism and calling for an end to prejudice.
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