BTS Receives 2020 Asia Game Changer Award, Gives Impeccable Speech

Asia Society presented BTS with one of the awards as Asia Game Changers of 2020, honoring them for raising their voices and inspiring their fans, mainly for their work in the abolition of discrimination. BTS were awarded recognition for the positive influence they have had on their fans, the idols thanked them with a special message and also thanked the Asian Society for narrowing the gap between Asia and the United States through projects to promote culture and values.

Asia Society’s 2020 Asia Game Changer Awards honorees were chosen for their responses to the year’s twin traumas of COVID-19 and racially motivated violence. In partnership with Citi, Asia Society annually honors game-changing leaders from a broad geographic range and varied backgrounds; this year’s honorees have saved lives, changed lives, and lifted spirits all across the globe.

Today’s world where music has the power to shape cultures, foster unity, and challenge societal norms, few have done so with the same vigor and passion as BTS. The year 2020 was a defining moment for the South Korean boy band, not only for their record-breaking musical achievements but also for their unwavering commitment to promoting positive change and addressing important global issues. On the grand stage of the 2020 Asia Game Changer Awards, BTS was honored with the prestigious Game Changer Award for their transformative influence on the music industry, their commitment to social causes, and their inspiring leadership in the face of adversity.

The Asia Game Changer Award, presented by the Asia Society, honors individuals, organizations, or movements that have had a significant impact on Asia and the world at large. It is a recognition of exceptional achievements that go beyond the boundaries of entertainment and sports, encompassing those who inspire social change, empower others, and use their platforms to create a better world. In 2020, BTS was selected for their global impact, not only as musicians but as advocates for change.

The group’s journey from humble beginnings in South Korea to global superstardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their music, deeply rooted in personal stories and universal themes of love, struggle, mental health, and self-empowerment, resonated with millions of fans worldwide. They broke down barriers, both in the music industry and in societal perceptions of K-pop and Asian artists. With each album release, BTS not only conquered the charts but also proved that their influence extended far beyond the realm of entertainment.

On the night of the ceremony, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BTS made history as the first K-pop group to receive the Asia Game Changer Award.

The virtual ceremony began with a tribute video showcasing BTS’s rise to fame, highlighting their philanthropic efforts, their powerful social media presence, and their unwavering support for mental health awareness. The video also included clips of their iconic speeches, including their 2018 United Nations address, in which they encouraged youth to “Love Myself” and embrace their individuality.

As the video ended, the screen shifted to the BTS members, who appeared with wide smiles and heartfelt gratitude. The leader, RM, took the floor first, his voice steady yet full of emotion.

RM, the eloquent leader known for his wisdom and global awareness, spoke with a profound sense of responsibility as he addressed the audience. “We are deeply honored and humbled to receive the 2020 Asia Game Changer Award,” he began, his voice filled with sincerity. “This award is not just for us; it is for every single person who believes in the power of music to bring about change.”

As the speech came to a close, BTS collectively expressed their gratitude once more. Their words echoed a common theme: the importance of using their influence for positive change. The 2020 Asia Game Changer Award was not just a recognition of their musical achievements; it was a testament to the impact they had on the world.

BTS’s journey was never just about chart-topping hits or dazzling performances; it was about connecting with people on a deeper level, advocating for causes that mattered, and inspiring others to believe in themselves. As they closed their speech, they reminded the world that the journey was far from over. It is clear that BTS’s influence was more than just a passing trend. It was a movement—one that would continue to inspire, uplift, and change the world.