BTS's impressive achievements so far are noteworthy. Still, the solid unity they have formed with their fandom, ARMY, and their significant influence, result from the messages and voices they project towards the youth and the world. Their activities such as giving a speech at the UN and discussing Asian hate crimes with the U.S. President show that BTS offers values beyond their popularity.

#Starting as Teenagers' Dreams, Extending to Messages of Reconciliation and Unity

BTS released their debut single '2 COOL 4 SKOOL' on June 12, 2013, and completed the 'School Trilogy' by subsequently releasing 'O!RUL8,2?' and 'SKOOL LUV AFFAIR.' BTS, who actively participated in songwriting and composing for nearly all songs, criticized the life, love, happiness, and social impositions and injustices that teenagers face.

In '2 COOL 4 SKOOL,' BTS asked students living without dreams, "What's your dream?" They revealed the bleak reality of students being groomed into studying machines without time to think about their future in 'O!RUL8,2?' and talked about love budding in school in 'SKOOL LUV AFFAIR.' Through the 'School Trilogy,' they became the voice of teenagers, connecting themes of dreams, happiness, and love.

In 2015, they started to capture the concerns of young adults in their twenties with the 'HYYH' series, dubbed the 'Youth Duology.' They harshly portrayed the social inequality and uncertain futures faced by today's youth, like the N-poor generation, passion pay, and spoon class theory. Nevertheless, they also offered encouragement and comfort, supporting the youth who strive forward without giving up and assuring them it's okay to stumble.

As they moved from 'WINGS,' which encapsulated the conflicts and growth of youth succumbing to temptation, to the 'LOVE YOURSELF' series, BTS's message expanded towards societal unity and reconciliation. They connected numerous songs organically to declare that 'loving oneself is the start of true love,' and 'the only answer to finding oneself among numerous identities ultimately lies within oneself.'

The 'MAP OF THE SOUL' series, started in 2019, discusses the power they've gained, the source of that power and its shadow, and the future they need to move towards using that power.

Having become superstars by telling their own stories, BTS show their appreciation to those who have helped them get to their current position in 'MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA.' They discover their public image and confront their inner shadows that they had hidden until now in 'MAP OF THE SOUL: 7,' accepting these as part of themselves.

Accepting both the 'self they want to show' and the 'self they want to avoid,' BTS, having found their 'complete self,' sent a message of encouragement through 'Dynamite' amid a reality where many people feel powerless due to COVID-19. They suggest 'seeking freedom and happiness by doing what each person can do, despite the difficult situation.' They continued this narrative in the album 'BE,' discussing our continuing lives.

BTS has honestly conveyed their perspectives and thoughts in their music since their debut, and they have expanded their messages. This narrative has given more potent force to BTS's messages. Lastly, in June last year, BTS closed chapter one by releasing the anthology album 'Proof,' which stacks their historical milestones.

#Amplifying a Positive Impact Through Music and Message

BTS has been increasingly influential with their potent message of self-love, starting with the 'LOVE YOURSELF' series. This influence took a significant turn when they were invited to speak at the '75th UN General Assembly' in 2018.

At that time, RM emphasized the message of 'LOVE YOURSELF', urging the youth worldwide to love themselves, and to voice their opinions, regardless of who they are, where they're from, or what their skin color is, whether they're male or female. This sparked the 'Speak yourself' hashtag, which quickly spread across social media platforms worldwide.

During the pandemic in 2020, they returned for a second speech at the UN. "The stars shine brighter the darker the night. On this path we're walking together, if we can't see the stars, let's rely on the moonlight. If there's no moonlight, let's use each other's faces as light and keep moving forward. More than ever, we need to remember and confront who we are. Life goes on, let's live through it together," they offered this uplifting message of solidarity.

In their speech at the 2021 UN General Assembly, they appeared as 'Special Presidential Envoys for Future Generations and Culture.' BTS members remarked, "They call the teens and twenties the 'COVID lost generation.' This implies they have lost their way, but 'welcome generation' seems more appropriate. If we believe in possibilities and hope, we're not lost in unexpected situations - we're discovering a new path."

Adding, "I thought the world had stopped, but it's moving forward little by little. I believe every choice is not an ending but the beginning of change," and released a performance video of 'Permission to Dance.' 'Permission to Dance' is a track that caused a global sensation, with BTS showcasing a choreography signifying 'peace' in their music video.

Immediately after their speech, BTS attended a UN 'SDG Moment' interview with former President Moon Jae-in, sharing their convictions about SDGs, their sense of responsibility as envoys, and their expectations towards their fans. They also visited the Korean gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, one of the three largest museums in the world, and gifted a piece of Korean craftwork.

This is not a one-time event or merely for show, which further underscores the sincerity of BTS. In that year, RM donated 100 million won for the preservation, restoration, and utilization of cultural properties overseas. The funds were used to preserve a Joseon-era archery uniform in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and RM continued his donations to the foundation in 2022.

BTS's charitable actions are so numerous it's difficult to list them all. Suga annually donates on his birthday, J-Hope consistently donates to UNICEF Korea and has joined the 'Honors Club' for substantial donors and the 'Green Noble Club' for the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation. Jungkook donated 1 billion won to the Seoul National University Children's Hospital. The other members consistently make donations as well.

These acts from the members positively influence their fans, who also contribute to mature fan culture by pooling money for donations to marginalized groups and those in need.

One of the most notable demonstrations of BTS's influence was when they were invited by US President Joe Biden to visit the White House in May last year. The members exchanged views on hate crimes and discrimination against Asians and diversity with President Biden. This incident showcases the value of BTS, which goes beyond just popularity and economic effects.

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