BTS and South Korea’s president, Moon Jae In, led Korea’s Youth Day today, September 19, 2020.
The boys also donated a time capsule, apparently containing their “memories and achievements,” to bring hope to the youth in 2039.
RM explained, “I’m going to imagine the day when “Youth Day,” born today, reaches adulthood 19 years from now on. Today, we want to send a message to the young people who will be the stars of that future. If you are facing hardship in your life of the future, I hope you will draw some strength from our story from the year 2020.”
J-hope added, “We set out with nothing but music as our dream. But we don’t know where we’re going whether we’re going uphill or downhill, not knowing as we tire and take a breather whether around the corner is paradise or a pitfall. That was how we started.”
Suga continued to talk about how their humble beginnings, “Debuting in a small company and facing hardships and worries went on. We didn’t know what to do, but we kept telling ourselves with some despair, that this too shall pass, that these will be fond memories.”
Jimin added, “People who were by our side and helping us said, “We can’t understand everything but we’re heartbroken, too. Let’s get through this together.””
Jin revealed his personal struggles, “Just past twenty, I had to battle with another reality. Before debut, I thought hard work would always be enough. But after debut, I needed talent more than effort. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t catch up to the others. My self-confidence was hard-hit. But suddenly I came to realize something. What is my true self? Can’t I be more confident of who I am now? Let me trust myself.”
V also talked his own hardships, “I think we were tired in spirit and body. I didn’t know where I was going, wondering if this amazing path was really what I wanted. I felt I lost sight of my goal. I wasn’t happy, and I felt emptiness seep through. I tried so hard to pull myself out of this emotional quagmire. Be honest to myself, and feel each emotion and let them out.”
Jungkook added, “We started on an empty road, and now we’ve become each other’s signposts.”
Leader RM then narrated their turning points, “Around 2018, I remember all the members felt lost after experiencing undeservedly overwhelming success. Even if our path is always lined with flowers and fruits, we can’t be sure if that’s how it’ll always be.” He also mentioned their first Billboard #1 win this August 2020 for their track “Dynamite.”
Jin, “Young people of the future. If we meet again, we as adults and you as the young. I hope you can change the world with the power of your thought, and, in turn, become the beacons of guide to the young people in the future.”