A YouTube video of Korean boy band BTS giving a speech at the UN General Assembly got 6.4 million views. Boris Johnson's speech got less than 4,000 views.
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Cheryl Teh
Sep 21, 2021, 18:33 IST
BTS members V, Suga, Jin, RM, Jungkook, Jimin and JHope (L-R) spoke on Monday at the UN General Assembly's 76th session in New York City.
John Angelillo - Pool/Getty Images
KPop boy band BTS made their first formal appearance as diplomats at the UN General Assembly on Monday.
A video of the band's speech has received 6.4 million views on YouTube.
This outstripped both the UN Sec. Gen. and UK PM Boris Johnson had less than 5,000 views each on their speeches.
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BTS made a splash at the United Nations General Assembly during their first formal foray into life as South Korean diplomats.
During their speech, the septet spoke about how the future of their generation will be shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. The band said they want their generation to be remembered for their positive impact, instead of as victims of lost opportunities during the pandemic.
"I've heard that people in their teens and twenties today are being referred to as COVID's lost generation, that they've lost their way at a time when they need the most diverse opportunities and must try new things," the band's leader RM said. "But I think it's a stretch to say they're lost just because the paths they tread can't be seen by grownup eyes."
Vocalist Jin suggested the young generation be called the "welcome generation" instead of the "lost generation."
"Because instead of fearing change, this generation says 'welcome' and keeps forging ahead," Jin said.
The band also encouraged people to get involved in tackling climate change and advocated for people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
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"A lot of you were wondering if we've been vaccinated. And I'll take this opportunity to say - yes, all seven of us, of course we've received vaccinations," rapper J-Hope said.
"Like the vaccinations, efforts are continuously moving forward to keep this new reality going. And I think the day we can meet again, face to face, is not far away," vocalist V said.
The United Nations General Assembly, the main policy-making body of the UN, opened its 76th session last week. Representatives from 193 member nations are set to attend the meeting, which will be held through September 28.
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