BTS are now South Korean diplomats after being appointed special presidential envoys

Members of the K-pop sensation are the new envoys of Future Generations and Culture and will return to the UN General Assembly next week

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, fourth from left, with members of BTS during a ceremony to mark the appointment of the K-pop septet as his special envoy for future generations and culture. EPA

President Moon Jae-in greeting members of BTS. AFP

BTS are credited with generating billions for the South Korean economy. AFP

This picture taken on September 14, 2021 shows South Korean President Moon Jae-in (4th L) posing with members of K-pop sensation BTS as they receive diplomatic passports for a UN session as presidential special envoys at the presidential Blue House in Seoul. (Photo by - / YONHAP / AFP) / - South Korea OUT / REPUBLIC OF KOREA OUT NO ARCHIVES RESTRICTED TO SUBSCRIPTION USE

From left to right: BTS members J-hope, Jungkook, Suga, V, Jin, Jimin and RM. EPA

South Korean President Moon Jae-in poses with Jimin. EPA

BTS member J-hope with the president. EPA

South Korean President Moon Jae-in with Suga. EPA

BTS member Jin with the South Korean president. EPA

South Korean President Moon Jae-in with RM, leader of BTS. EPA

South Korean President Moon Jae-in bumps fists with Jungkook. EPA

South Korean President Moon Jae-in greeting BTS member V at The Blue House in Seoul. EPA

As special envoys, BTS will deliver a speech during the Sustainable Development Goals Moment ahead of the UN General Assembly, and a performance video will be played. EPA

K-pop sensation BTS have been granted diplomatic passports ahead of the UN General Assembly as they embark on their new roles as presidential special envoys, South Korea's presidential office said.

The trailblazing septet have reached global superstardom, with their single Dynamite entering the Billboard Hot 100 at No 1 last year, making them the first South Korean act to top the US chart.

They are credited with generating billions for the South Korean economy, and last year their label Hybe made a high-profile stock market debut.

Now, Seoul is looking to capitalise on the soft power they represent, with President Moon Jae-in appointing them as his Special Presidential Envoys for Future Generations and Culture.

"It is a great honour to receive this title," BTS's RM said at a Blue House ceremony on Tuesday to present them with their red-covered diplomatic passports – ordinary South Korean passports are green.

Moon told the members that many foreign leaders he meets break the ice by talking about them.

While on official business, they will enjoy privileges such as diplomatic immunity and exemption from airport inspections.

As special envoys, the group will deliver a speech during the Sustainable Development Goals Moment on Monday, ahead of the UN General Assembly, and a performance video will be played.

RM previously delivered an English-language speech on self-empowerment titled Speak Yourself to the UN General Assembly in 2018.

"I want to hear your voice, I want to hear your conviction. No matter where you're from, skin colour, gender identity, just speak yourself. Find your name (and) find your voice," he said in a speech that went viral on social media.

Many reacted positively to BTS's new role, noting their impact on the South's international standing.

"Thanks to BTS, the national image of South Korea has been greatly enhanced," said a commentator on Daum, the country's second-largest web portal.

"They have done more work than hundreds of diplomats combined."

– Additional reporting by AFP