BTS Performed "Permission To Dance" At The UN This Week, And 5 More K-Pop Updates You Need To Know

In addition to their powerful speech, they also performed their hit single "Permission To Dance."

1. BTS spoke and performed "Permission To Dance" at the United Nations General Assembly!

@UnitedNations / Via youtube.com

As Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture, BTS attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 20 and spoke about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change on younger generations. 

“We are here today to share the stories of our future generation,” the group's leader RM said. The group shared their vulnerable, frank thoughts about the hardships they've faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cancellation of their world tour, but also marveled at the resiliency younger generations have shown in these trying times. 

Using billboards, the members of BTS revealed what younger generations have been focusing on amidst the pandemic. One of the responses was spending more time in nature, which member J-Hope connected to the importance of addressing climate change. “I shudder to think about mourning for the Earth,” he stated. “Everyone agrees that climate change is an important problem, but talking about what the best solution might be, that’s not easy. It’s a topic that’s tough to make conclusions about.” 

At the podium, RM rebuked the idea that teenagers and young adults growing up during the pandemic are part of a "Lost Generation" and missing out key life experiences. “I’ve heard that people in their teens and 20s today are begin referred to as COVID’s 'Lost Generation;' that they’ve lost their way at a time when they need the most diverse opportunities and must try new things," he commented. "I think it’s a stretch to say they’re lost just because the paths they tread cannot be seen by grown up eyes."

Instead, eldest member Jin offered a new, uplifting title in its place. “Instead of the lost generation a more appropriate name would be the welcome generation,” he said. “Because, instead of fearing change, this generation says welcome and keeps forging ahead.”

In addition to talking about the effects of the pandemic on younger generations, the group also told the world their vaccination status. “Yes. All seven of us, of course we received vaccinations,” J-Hope confirmed. RM added: "Just like we said in our message today, we too are doing the things that we are able to do right now."

The group's leader ended their moving speech on an inspirational note about the importance of acceptance and making wise choices for the betterment of the world around us. “We thought the world had stopped but it continues to move forward,” RM said. “I believe that every choice we make is the beginning of change, not the end. I hope that in this new world we can all say to each other: welcome."

In addition to their speech, BTS also performed their most recent single "Permission To Dance" as well. And, if that wasn't exciting enough, the group capped off a historic week by meeting fellow "Butter" collaborator Megan Thee Stallion, of course!

2. They also released their collaboration track "My Universe" with Coldplay!

Coldplay / Via youtube.com

Step into a dazzling, heartwarming universe of BTS and Coldplay's own creation with their collaboration single "My Universe." Rumors about the two high-profile artists working together have been swirling for months since Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin's visit to South Korea in April; now, it's finally here and it's so good it's out of this world.

First announced on Sept. 13, the groovy, atmospheric track is part of Coldplay's upcoming album Music of the Spheres which will be released on Oct. 15. With lyrics written by Coldplay and BTS, the love song is performed in both English and Korean and celebrates the all-encompassing, world-shifting feeling of falling head over heels in love with someone. 

"My Universe" is a perfect mixture of both artists' signature sound and style; it blends Coldplay's smooth, explorative sound with BTS's lyricism that frequently makes dreamy, romantic references the moon, universe, sun, and stars. "You, you are my universe and I just want to put you first," Martin sings. "You make my world light up inside." So put on your headphones, close your eyes, and take a joyride through the galaxy with Coldplay and BTS. You won't regret it.

This week also saw the release of Woosung's "Dimples," ITZY's "Loco," and Yang Yoseob's "Brain," so be sure to check those out as well! 🎵

3. Members of ASTRO and Dreamcatcher have tested positive for COVID-19.

Dreamcatcher Company, Fantagio

On Sept. 19, it was revealed by Dreamcatcher Company that the group's youngest member, Gahyeon, had tested positive for COVID-19.

"While we were closely checking the health conditions of the Dreamcatcher members, Gahyeon detected an abnormality in her health and immediately underwent a preemptive PCR test. She has now tested positive for COVID-19," a statement from Dreamcatcher Company read per translation by Soompi.

As a result, the rest of Dreamcatcher halted "all of their scheduled activities," cancelled their performance at KCON:TACT HI 5, and entered self-quarantine. You can read the company's full statement here.

On the same day, Fantagio announced that the leader of the boy group ASTRO, JinJin, had also tested positive. After "not feeling well," JinJin took a PCR test for on Sept. 16 and originally tested negative for COVID-19. However, after feeling "abnormal symptoms" once again on Sept. 18, he was tested a second time and this time it came back positive. "At the moment, JinJin has entered self-quarantine at the behest of the disease control authorities and is waiting for guidance about further necessary measures," Fantagio said in a statement translated by Soompi which you can read here.

According to Fantagio, fellow ASTRO members Sanha and Moonbin "crossed paths with JinJin" prior to his diagnosis. Since then, both members have tested negative for COVID-19, but their "schedules were immediately cancelled and they went into self-quarantine" as well. "Once again, we apologize for causing concern to many people," the company's second statement read. "We will decide their future activities while faithfully following health guidelines, and we will do our best for the health and safety of all our artists."

We're wishing both Gahyeon and JinJin a speedy, healthy recovery!

4. ATEEZ performed a phenomenal cover of Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI's "Stay!"

@KBS Kpop / Via youtube.com

On Sept. 17, ATEEZ made an appearance on the popular South Korean music programYou Heeyeol’s Sketchbook and wowed the world with their incredible rendition of Justin Bieber and The Kid LAROI's hit "Stay." 

Backed by a live band, the eight-membered group took the catchy single and made it their own with their powerful vocals and the inclusion of two new verses by rappers Mingi and Hongjoong. And, as if the performance couldn't get any better, youngest member Jongho's high note at the end of the track is honestly too good to be true. 

If you've been interested in delving into the world of ATEEZ, then look no further than this video. Trust us — you won't be disappointed! 

5. ITZY revealed they will perform on The Kelly Clarkson show next week!

ITZY @ITZYofficial

📢ITZY X The Kelly Clarkson Show📢 Premieres @KellyClarksonTV Monday, September 27th 2PM (PT/ET) Stay tuned! Pre-orders https://t.co/iqgsF7U2vk #ITZY #있지 @ITZYofficial #MIDZY #믿지 #CRAZYINLOVE #LOCO #ITZYComeback #ITZYonTheKellyClarksonShow @kellyclarkson

03:01 PM - 20 Sep 2021

@itzyofficial / Via JYP Production / Via Twitter: @itzyofficial

Mark your calendars, MIDZY! ITZY will be making their return to television screens across the U.S. next week with a performance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

We're ready to go ~loco~ for their appearance when the show airs on Monday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. EST. Make sure to grab your light ring, learn the fan chant, and get ready to properly cheer the girls on!

6. And aespa, Golden Child, Lightsum, and more announce new music is on the way!

aespa @aespa_official

aespa 에스파 〖Savage〗 환각 퀘스트 Hallucination Quest (1) ➫ 2021.10.05 6PM KST #WINTER #윈터 #aespa #æspa #에스파 #Savage #환각퀘스트 #HallucinationQuest

03:00 PM - 22 Sep 2021

@aespa_official / Via SM Entertainment / Via Twitter: @aespa_official

* aespa revealed their first set of teaser photos for their upcoming first mini-album, Savage, which will be released on Oct. 5.

* Golden Child shared a comeback poster for their upcoming second repackaged album, DDARA, which will be released on Oct. 5.

* LIGHTSUM announced they will release a brand new single, titled "Light A Wish," on Oct. 13.

* YOUNGJAE dropped multiple moving image teasers, photo sets, a trailer, and an album preview ahead of the release of his upcoming first mini-album, COLORS From Ars, on Oct. 5.

* On instagram this week, Eric Nam revealed that he will be releasing new music set for release in "October."

That's it for this week! Have a lovely weekend, and be sure to catch up on last week's news if you missed it! ✨

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