How to Watch BTS’ Speech at the United Nations Today
In another history-making move for BTS, the superstar South Korean music group will make a speech at the United Nations in New York City today (Monday, September 24), marking the first time a K-pop act has made an official address at the UN.
The septet's 3-minute speech at the UN General Assembly 2018 for Generation Unlimited will address issues directly facing global youth today. UNICEF's Generation Unlimited is a new international initiative focused on solutions to propel young peoples' success around the world, from education to gender equality and technological innovation.
BTS' appearance at the UN will take place at noon EST (1:00 a.m. KST), with a number of hashtags trending on Twitter to mark the occasion, including the fan-initiated #BTSforYouth2030 and the UN's official #Youth2030.
While the General Assembly is closed to the public, you'll be able to watch the event—including BTS' speech at the Trusteeship Council Chamber of the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan—online today.
You can stream the event on the UN Live United Nations' web site. Just click here to view the stream or watch below.
Speaking to CBS, UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore stressed the importance of reaching young people through Generation Unlimited.
"The change in demographics the world is experiencing, coupled with fast-moving technological advances, presents a critical moment in history," she shared.
"Young people may represent 25 percent of the global population, but they account for 100 percent of the future. We cannot afford to fail them," Fore continued.
BTS' participation in the UN's Generation Unlimited campaign makes perfect sense considering the group's dedication to its internationally sprawling fan base—especially their young fans—as well as the band's penchant for addressing critical youth-facing issues in their lyrics, from societal pressures to mental health and the importance of self-love and self-confidence.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this article included that BTS would also be performing at the UN event. This is incorrect. We regret the error.