BTS made a speech at the U.N as special presidential envoy for future generations and culture on September 20th. They addressed goals for sustainable development as well as the young generations’ hope in the pandemic situation.

After the speech, they took center stage performing their song “Permission to Dance” at the U.N over one million fans watched live. The upbeat song, “Permission to Dance” is something for everyone to enjoy. One of the BTS members said the song carries the message that everyone should dance freely even if they have had a tough day in real life.

BTS is the first group to replace its own song “Butter” at the top with the new song “Permission to Dance” and then return to the summit again. With the accomplishment, BTS has had 14 Billboard Hot 100 No.1 records, including their previous records.

Furthermore, according to the Hyndai Research Institute in Korea, the annual average number of foreign tourists increased to 79.6 million thanks to BTS. Also, the annual average production inducement effect of BTS is about 4.1 trillion won.

While BTS has made these successes, there was a time when they faced a lot of hurdles. When they first debuted from a company considered small, they struggled to get recognized among other established groups.

Despite performing in big stadiums today, they once had to hand out fliers along LA’s Hollywood Boulevard and invite passer-by to come to their free concert in 2013. Until 2016, the members shared one room to live together. In 2016, they were cut from 2016 Busan One Asia Festival’s live TV broadcast.

Thanks to the members’ struggles and the support of their fans, they now have gained movie-like fame. Their story reminds us of the lyrics of their song “Permission to Dance”, which is “There’s always something that’s standing in the way, but if you don’t let it faze ya, you’ll know just how to break.”

L.L.F editor-in-chief You-Jin Kim