BTS' Speech at the United Nations (Full Speech from 2018)

Summary

In his powerful speech, RM (Kim Nam-joon) of BTS reflects on his journey of self-discovery, the importance of loving oneself, and the challenges faced along the way. He shares personal stories about growing up, overcoming doubt, and the role of music in reconnecting with his true identity. RM emphasizes the significance of self-love and encourages others to 'speak yourself,' embracing their unique identities. Through BTS's 'Love Myself' campaign, he celebrates the global impact of self-acceptance and reminds everyone to cherish their individual voice and story.

Takeaways

• 😀 RM expresses gratitude for being part of the UNICEF event and emphasizes the importance of supporting today's young generation.
• 😀 RM highlights BTS's 'Love Myself' campaign with UNICEF, focusing on self-love and protecting children and young people from violence.
• 😀 The campaign's success is tied to the enthusiastic participation of BTS's global fanbase, ARMY, who actively support the initiative.
• 😀 RM reflects on his childhood in Ilsan, South Korea, sharing personal memories and early dreams of becoming a superhero.
• 😀 RM reveals how, as he grew older, he began to lose sight of his own identity by trying to conform to others' expectations.
• 😀 He acknowledges that self-doubt and pressure from external voices caused him to lose his sense of self, metaphorically becoming like a 'ghost'.
• 😀 Despite facing doubts and challenges, including others thinking BTS was 'hopeless,' RM expresses gratitude for persevering and not giving up on his dreams.
• 😀 RM emphasizes the importance of his BTS members and the love and support from ARMY in achieving success, making him feel less alone.
• 😀 He speaks about embracing imperfections, acknowledging mistakes, and learning to love himself through his journey.
• 😀 RM calls on the audience to reflect on their own identity, urging them to 'speak yourself,' find their voice, and embrace who they are, no matter their background.
• 😀 The 'Love Myself' campaign and BTS's message have inspired fans worldwide to overcome hardships, and RM stresses the responsibility to continue spreading positive messages about self-love and self-expression.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'Love Myself' campaign launched by BTS?

The 'Love Myself' campaign was launched by BTS in collaboration with UNICEF to promote self-love and protect children and young people from violence. The campaign encourages individuals to love themselves as a foundation for creating positive change in the world.

How did RM describe his childhood and early life?

RM described his childhood as happy and ordinary, growing up in Ilsan, a beautiful city near Seoul, South Korea. He enjoyed the scenic surroundings, including a lake, hills, and an annual flower festival. As a child, he used to dream of being a superhero and saving the world.

What led RM to stop dreaming and begin focusing on others' perceptions of him?

RM explained that around the age of 9 or 10, he started to worry about how others perceived him. This led him to stop daydreaming and instead try to conform to the expectations and molds created by others, gradually losing sight of his own voice and identity.

How did music impact RM's journey to self-discovery?

Music played a pivotal role in RM's self-discovery. Despite facing numerous challenges and doubts, there was a small voice inside him that urged him to 'wake up' and listen to himself. Music eventually helped him reconnect with his true self and find his voice.

What challenges did BTS face when they first started, according to RM?

When BTS first started, they faced significant challenges, with many people believing they were hopeless. RM admitted that there were moments when he wanted to quit, but he considered himself lucky for not giving up, and the support of his fellow BTS members and fans played a critical role in their success.

How does RM view himself despite BTS's success?

Despite BTS's success, RM sees himself as an ordinary 24-year-old man. He attributes any achievements to the love and support of his bandmates and the BTS ARMY, emphasizing that their collective journey has shaped who he is.

What message does RM convey about mistakes and personal growth?

RM reflects on his past mistakes and faults, asserting that they are part of who he is. He emphasizes that even though he may make mistakes, they contribute to his growth and help shape the person he is becoming. He encourages embracing one's faults as part of the journey toward self-love.

What was the impact of the 'Love Yourself' albums and the 'Love Myself' campaign on BTS's fans?

The 'Love Yourself' albums and the 'Love Myself' campaign resonated deeply with BTS's fans. Many shared how the messages in these projects helped them overcome personal hardships and learn to love themselves. These stories have reinforced the responsibility BTS feels toward their fans and their commitment to promoting self-love.

What does RM urge others to do in his speech?

RM urges everyone to 'speak yourself,' asking them to find their name, their voice, and share their stories with conviction. He encourages people to embrace who they are, regardless of their background, and to express themselves authentically.

How does RM define his identity in the speech?

RM defines himself as Kim Nam-joon, a man from a small town in Korea, and as RM, a member of BTS. He acknowledges his faults, fears, and mistakes, but embraces his journey of self-love and growth. He encourages others to do the same and embrace their true selves.