In a groundbreaking moment for the global K-pop phenomenon, SEVENTEEN, the highly acclaimed Korean boyband, etched their name in history as the first K-pop artist to grace the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum.
The historic event unfolded on November 14 at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, where SEVENTEEN, comprised of Seungkwan, Jun, Woozi, Mingyu, Joshua, and Vernon, captivated the audience with a session that seamlessly blended impactful speeches and performances of their chart-topping hits, including “WORLD,” “Darl+ing,” “Headliner,” “God of Music,” and “Together.”
Commencing the session, Seungkwan forged a poignant connection between his hometown, Jeju Island, and UNESCO, shedding light on the island’s recognition as a Biosphere Reserve, Natural World Heritage site, and Global Geopark.
He underscored the unprecedented honor of Jeju Island being the first locale worldwide to receive all three of UNESCO’s prestigious accolades, reflecting on his personal journey from a dream-filled boy on the World Heritage island to standing before the distinguished audience at UNESCO headquarters.
Following Seungkwan, Jun eloquently delved into the evolution of the group’s camaraderie, expressing how their bond strengthened despite geographical distances. “Because we were so far from each other, I never imagined that we could grow to become friends with our hands joined for all challenges to come,” he shared, emphasizing the synergy that transforms SEVENTEEN into a formidable team.
Woozi, in his reflection, acknowledged the group’s path to success, emphasizing the joy derived from shared moments and diverse strengths. Gratefully recognizing each member’s contributions, he highlighted the collaborative process that shaped SEVENTEEN’s unique identity. “Each of us had our own strengths, whether it was our vocals, performance, or hip hop. And as we learned from each other and came together as one, SEVENTEEN’s identity began to take shape,” he explained.
Mingyu took the stage to discuss SEVENTEEN’s philanthropic efforts, detailing impactful donations such as gifting 13 goats to children in Tanzania. He shared a touching moment when the group received a grateful letter from the children, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that young people worldwide do not give up on their dreams.
Joshua, meanwhile, delved into his involvement with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO and the “Going Together” campaign. Expressing gratitude to their dedicated fanbase, known as CARATs, for supporting educational initiatives, he wished for the resonance of their UNESCO activities with youth across the globe. “We hope that our actions through UNESCO will reach young people everywhere, from the kids on islands even smaller than Jeju to those in every corner of the world who are fostering, reaffirming, and acting on their dreams even as we speak,” he articulated.
Concluding the session, Vernon introduced the songs that SEVENTEEN performed, weaving the lyrics seamlessly into his message of unity and hope for the future. “Let’s open up a new future together. I care you, you care for me, we can be all we need. Even a small action today can give people courage for many days to come… We will shine together. We’ve just met but we can dance together. If we are together. You and I are never losing our way. You and I, we will be walking straight.” The performance not only showcased SEVENTEEN’s musical prowess but also left an indelible mark on the prestigious UNESCO Youth Forum.
(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)
