Jin DEAR Class of 2020 SPEECH

BTS joined an esteemed lineup of A-list figures, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, global music icon Beyoncé, and many others, to deliver an inspiring and heartfelt commencement speech for the Class of 2020 during YouTube’s Dear Class of 2020 graduation special. In their speech, the members of BTS shared personal anecdotes, words of encouragement, and messages of resilience, recognizing the challenges the graduating class faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasized the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and the pursuit of dreams despite uncertain times. Their heartfelt words resonated with millions of students worldwide, offering hope and motivation to a generation stepping into an unpredictable future.

“Hello, it’s Jin of BTS. My memory of graduation is a little different. It was before my debut as BTS. I was around 20, just a high school graduate going into university. Back then, the notion of becoming an adult was something quite scary. Anxious about making my way into an unfamiliar world, I was cautious of everything I said or did. Sometimes, I’d feel restless, watching my friends go on far ahead of me. And attempting to keep up with their speed would only leave me breathless. I soon realised that their pace was not my own. What held me together during those times was a promise I made with myself: “to take it slow.” I’d go at my own pace, steadily. From then on, it became a habit of mine to take extra time for myself. For instance, when learning choreography, I begin practice days earlier than the others do.” Jin

“If any of you feels lost in the face of doubt or uncertainty, or the pressure of starting anew, don’t rush. Take a deep breath. You may find that any moment can be turned into an opportunity. Allow yourself to take it easy. Take it one step at a time. You might discover the important things you were missing, and they will reach out to you.” Jin