It’s been almost four years since BigHit Music and BTS launched their LOVE MYSELF campaign with UNICEF, and they have achieved a lot of groundbreaking successes.
UNICEF, record label BIGHIT MUSIC, and the 21st century pop icons BTS are marking the groundbreaking success of the LOVE MYSELF campaign this week, with the campaign reaching almost every country in the world with positive messages of self-love and self-care.
— UNICEF
UNICEF revealed in a press release that the LOVE MYSELF campaign has reached “almost every country” and, as a result, has shared a positive message worldwide with the help of social media.
LOVE MYSELF booths have also been set up around the world too, sharing the message to an even larger audience. From South Korea to Hong Kong to Thailand to England to the United States and more, everyone has been given the opportunity to learn how to love themselves and others.Since 2017, LOVE MYSELF has generated almost five million tweets and more than 50 million engagements, such as likes, retweets, replies and comments, according to a new analysis* in UNICEF’s flagship report, The State of the World’s Children 2021, launched yesterday.
— UNICEF
This campaign is deeply personal for BTS. It’s not just the same name as their Love Yourself album series. They also believe in practising what you preach.
We started LOVE MYSELF as a way to reach young people and help improve their lives and rights. During the process, we also strove to ‘LOVE MYSELF’ ourselves, and we as a team and as individuals grew as well. We hope that many people felt how the love received from others can become the power that allows them to love themselves.
— BTS
BTS are some of the biggest influencers in the world (they have 39 million followers on Twitter alone), and they certainly use that influence for good. With UNICEF, they use their LOVE MYSELF and End Violence campaigns to encourage not just self-love but also to “help end violence, abuse, and bullying” worldwide.
Originally begun on November 1, 2017, BTS has now helped raise $3.6 million USD for the campaign. During this time, they have also addressed world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and more.
BigHit Music and BTS have no plans of ending the campaign anytime soon either. UNICEF shared that just earlier this year, they themselves pledged over $1 million USD in addition to proceeds from their LOVE MYSELF merchandise and album sales.
We hope that the LOVE MYSELF message can continue to serve to invigorate everyone’s lives. We will be honored if all seven of us can continue this campaign to return the amazing love that we have received, and give people the strength to come closer to LOVE MYSELF. We hope to keep doing what we are doing and voice what we are voicing, so we can help people find happiness and love.
— BTS
During the pandemic, the BTS members have shared their personal reflections on Twitter, live broadcasts, and more to help connect even more with their young fans who might feel disconnected and isolated during these times. They also encouraged ARMY to share their own stories of the past two years on Twitter using the hashtags #YouthToday and #YourStories.
When it comes to promoting self-esteem and improving mental well-being, one of the most important things you can do is just to start the conversation. The groundbreaking way in which BTS has helped spark a positive message with its ARMY is simply unmatched and incredibly invaluable. We are thankful for all the work the band has done to lead this important initiative, and for all of their support for UNICEF in the last four years.
— UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore