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BTS performs “Permission to Dance” on the talk show “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on July 14. (provided by Big Hit Music)

South Korean President Moon Jae-in appointed K-pop group BTS as “special presidential envoys for culture and future generations” on Wednesday.

“Blue House spokesperson Park Kyung-mi said that BTS’ appointment is “part of public diplomacy, which seeks to broaden the horizon of foreign policy by consolidating the public’s capacity for diplomacy.”

Park said that BTS’ appointment was part of an effort “to improve our national image as we take the initiative on global issues through cooperation with professionals in the private sector who have demonstrated excellence on the global stage.”

BTS intends to deliver a message of hope and comfort to young people around the world at major international events, including the 76th UN General Assembly in September.

The K-pop group also reportedly plans to take part in various activities to promote international cooperation on global challenges such as conserving the environment, addressing poverty and inequality and respecting diversity.

BTS’ song “Permission to Dance” debuted in the No. 1 spot of the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart released the day before. The track replaced “Butter,” also by BTS, which had occupied the top spot for seven weeks in a row.

By Lee Wan, staff reporter

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