The songs, dance, dreams and enthusiasm of BTS 방탄소년단 energized and gave strength to young people around the world. I congratulate BTS on topping the Billboard 200 with their album titled ‘Love Yourself 轉 Tear’. This is the first ever Korean album to claim the top spot, and also the first non-English album to do so in 12 years.

At the very heart of BTS’s outstanding dancing and singing is sincerity. This magical power turns grief into hope and differences into similarity. Each of the seven members sings in a way that is true to himself and the life he wants to live. Their melody and lyrics transcend regional borders, language, culture, and institutions.

Bangtan, which literally means bulletproof in Korean, was born out of the will to protect teenagers from prejudice and oppression. The names of each member—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook—are going to be remembered for a long time. Thank you to BTS for spreading joy across Korea and the world with your great performances.