BTS Encourages Self Love By: Seleena Davis On September 24, 2018, the Korean boy group BTS (방탄소년단), gave a speech for the ​ Unicef Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping children have a bright future. BTS started a campaign with Unicef on November 1, 2017 called, “Love Myself” to end violence against children and teens. “Children and teens have the right to pursue their lives in safety and happiness and to grow with love and care,” BTS says. Not all of the members in BTS grew up in households that were supportive of their futures, which is why all the members are so diligent about children and teens being able to have a bright future, and to be able to be supported no matter what. “Many of them are unable to enjoy their fair share of chances to dream of a healthy future,” BTS says. Kim Namjoon the leader of BTS, spoke on behalf of the group at the event. “Tell me your story. I want to hear your voice, and I want to hear your conviction,” Namjoon states. “No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, gender identity: speak yourself.” After giving the speech, tons of people came forward on social media stating that they were very moved by what BTS had to say. Some even stating that they had never previously heard of the group, but hearing the speech made them want to learn and know more about the group and their message. Leslie Cruz a BTS fan from Texas, has been a fan of theirs for about two years now. Ever since becoming a fan of theirs she’s always stood behind their message of loving yourself. “BTS are the best to begin with. They're so loving and caring especially to Armys (fans).” Leslie states, “They want to let us know to love ourselves more, and to always speak for ourselves, not to let others speak for you. Becoming a fan of theirs is really the best decision I’ve ever made, words can’t explain how much I adore and love them. Their music is really healing to me and to all armys. I wouldn’t ever leave their side, they mean the world to me.” Leslie was especially proud after watching their speech. “The speech was beautiful, I was really motivated to speak for myself and to love myself more.” Leslie says, “They’re really changing the world for the better.” BTS is continuing to spread their message everyday. They are currently touring on their “Love Yourself World Tour” and are hoping to reach more people with their message. Some of the profits from the Love Yourself albums will go towards to the campaign. Unicef stated that ​ ​ they had already raised over $1 million from just albums sales alone. If you would like to donate or learn more information about the, “Love Myself” campaign. Please click this link: https://www.love-myself.org/eng/home/ ​ If you would like to watch the speech from BTS, at the Unicef event. Please click this link: https://youtu.be/7kJpilfmcak ​ .