▲ This photo, provided by UNICEF, shows K-pop icons BTS and the "LOVE MYSELF" campaign. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

SEOUL, Oct. 6 (Yonhap) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) expressed special gratitude for being able to raise 4.3 billion won in a joint campaign with K-pop supergroup BTS.

UNICEF released a statement on Wednesday that it has collected 3.6 million dollars (around 4.29 billion won) in donations over the past four years with the "LOVE MYSELF" campaign launched with BTS.

The campaign began in 2017 with the goal of eradicating violence, abuse and bullying, and promote self-esteem for children and young adults, and BTS has delivered hopeful messages across the world through various channels such as speeches at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, music, concerts, interviews, and social media.

The seven-piece-act's large fan base, ARMY, were seen actively participating in donations and providing good deeds, allowing the influence of the campaign to grow.

"LOVE MYSELF has generated almost five million tweets and more than 50 million engagements, such as likes, retweets, replies and comments," UNICEF explained in a report titled "The State of the World's Children 2021."

BTS currently has 39 million followers on Twitter.

"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," Henrietta Fore, UNICEF executive director said. "The groundbreaking way in which BTS has helped spark a positive message with its ARMY is simply unmatched and incredibly invaluable."

"We started LOVE MYSELF as a way to reach young people and help improve their lives and rights," BTS said. "During the process, we also strove to 'LOVE MYSELF' ourselves, and we as a team and as individuals grew as well."

“We hope that the LOVE MYSELF message can continue to serve to invigorate everyone’s lives,” BTS added. “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."

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