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
