South Korea's biggest pop export, BTS, took to the United Nations stage on Thursday, urging their millions of fans to love themselves and keep on dreaming despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The septet's taped message was played at the UN General Assembly, where the roster of speakers also included President Rodrigo Duterte, U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Band leader RM (Kim Namjoon) said the health crisis cancelled their world tour. "All of our plans went away and I became alone. I looked up, but I couldn't see the star at night."
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But by using our imagination, RM said the possibilities are "limitless" recalling his own journey from a small town boy to a global citizen with the UN as his platform.
"Our tomorrow may be dark, painful, difficult. We might stumble or fall down. Stars shine brightest when the night is darkest. If the stars are hidden, we'll let moonlight guide us. If even the moon is dark, let our faces be the light that helps us find our way," RM said.
"Let's reimagine our world. We're huddled together tired but let's dream again. Let's dream about a future when our world can break out of our small rooms again," he said.
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Bandmate Jin (Kim Seokjin) elaborated on BTS's "love myself" campaign. "Cherishing yourself, encouraging yourself and keeping yourself happy is the most important. In a world of uncertainty, we must cherish the imprtance of 'me,' 'you' and 'us,'" he said.
At the end of the address, the band said in chorus: "Life goes on, let's live on."
