BTS Mentioned at the 2025 Van Fleet Annual Meeting as a Symbol of Korea-U.S. Friendship

  

The General James A. Van Fleet Awards is a prestigious annual honor presented by The Korea Society to individuals or organizations from Korea or the United States who have made outstanding contributions to promoting cooperation and friendship between the two nations.

Established in 1992, the award commemorates General James A. Van Fleet, who played a key role in modernizing the South Korean military during the Korean War and is often referred to as "the father of the Korean armed forces."

In 2025, the award ceremony held during The Korea Society's Annual Dinner on October 23 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. POSCO Group Chairman Jang In-hwa and the Congressional Study Group on Korea (CSGK) have been named this year's honorees for their contributions to advancing economic cooperation and strengthening the friendship between Korea and the United States.

 

In numerous Korean media reports surrounding this year's event, BTS was mentioned as one of the past recipients of this distinguished award.

On October 7, 2020, during the 33rd Van Fleet Awards Ceremony, BTS was honored by The Korea Society for their contributions through music and global cultural influence. In particular, the group's positive impact was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when their meaningful songs and lyrics spread messages of hope and comfort to people around the world.

Although the group could not attend the ceremony in person due to the pandemic, they sent a pre-recorded acceptance speech. In the video, RM said on behalf of the group:

"We will always remember the history of the pain that our two nations share and the sacrifices of countless men and women. After 70 years, the world we live in is much closer than before, and boundaries in many aspects are more blurred. As members of the global community, we should build a deeper understanding and solidarity to be happier together. In pursuit of this cause, BTS will always remind ourselves of the meaning of the Van Fleet Award and continue doing our best in all that we do. Thank you very much."

 

 

 

Notably, most past and recent recipients of the award have been political leaders, prominent business figures, or major organizations, such as former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, former U.S. President George W. Bush, SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won, and, most recently, POSCO Group Chairman Jang In-hwa.

That BTS was recognized alongside such global leaders and executives speaks volumes about their stature and influence. They may not political office or sign trade agreements, but BTS has carried out a unique form of diplomacy — through music and their global impact.

Moreover, BTS has not only helped strengthen relations between Korea and the United States but has also become a symbol of Korea's soft power diplomacy on the international stage. South Korea's foreign policy has long embraced BTS's immense global influence as a tool of cultural diplomacy. Under former President Moon Jae-in, BTS attended and spoke at two high-level United Nations events.

Former President Moon once candidly remarked, "When I met and held summits with foreign leaders, we always began our conversations with stories about K-pop — especially BTS. A few high-ranking officials admitted they were fans, but most said their children and grandchildren love BTS, and they often sing and dance together. BTS is famous not only in the U.S. but also in the Middle East. Some leaders even asked me to invite BTS and host a K-pop night when they visit as state guests."

 

Even the newly appointed Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi — known for her firm stance on historical disputes between Japan and Korea — has expressed admiration for BTS, publicly stating that she is a fan of the group. Experts predict that BTS could serve as a cultural bridge, paving the way for renewed dialogue between Seoul and Takaichi's administration.

BTS truly stands apart from the rest. From the concert stage to global forums, they have transcended the boundaries of a pop group to become a living symbol of cultural, political, and diplomatic connection — embodying the very spirit that the Van Fleet Award has celebrated for more than three decades.