President Moon Jae-in on July 21 appointed BTS "Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture." (Yonhap News)

By Kim Hyelin and Lee Jihae

President Moon Jae-in on July 21 appointed the K-pop sensation BTS "Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture."

Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson Park Kyung-mee said in a written briefing that the appointment is part of public diplomacy that aims to expand diplomatic horizons by uniting the people's diplomatic abilities.

She said the move seeks to boost Korea's national image as a country that leads global issues via cooperation with private experts who display outstanding activities on the world stage.

BTS in September is slated to attend the 76th United Nations General Assembly and offer a message of consolation and hope to youth worldwide.

The group will also conduct various activities to promote international cooperation for resolving global issues such as improvement of the environment, poverty and inequality and respecting diversity.

The spokesperson said BTS is spreading hope and positive energy worldwide to people exhausted by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. She added that the group as a special presidential envoy will perform activities that greatly contribute to boosting Korea's national image as a leading country in the post-COVID-19 era.

On the international charts, BTS' latest hit "Permission to Dance"  on July 19 topped the U.S. Billboard's main singles chart Hot 100, overtaking the group's "Butter," which had topped the chart for seven weeks in a row.

kimhyelin211@korea.kr