BTS’ expenses for envoy activities in New York were partially covered by South Korean Government and agency, Blue House clarifies

South Korean juggernaut BTS were appointed as the special presidential envoys for the 76^th United Nations General Assembly this year. in latest reports, it was stated that the South Korean government did not cover the expenses for BTS’ activities as special envoys in New York. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism are now clarifying the reports.

News tabloid, Chosunilbo, on September 30, reported that the government had not covered any of BTS’ expenses including travel, lodging, and food expenses for their trip to New York with President Moon Jae-in for their activities as special presidential envoys stating that BTS accompanied President Moon Jae-in, First Lady Kim Jung Sook, and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwang Hee without receiving any travel allowance or special fee.

Following the report, Newsen stated that a source from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism revealed in a call that, “Upon checking, we have found that the government covered some of the expenses of BTS’s business trip. The report that says the expenses were not covered at all is not true. The government partially covered the expenses, and we are checking the detailed records.”

According to Soompi, the Blue House also spoke up about the report stating, “We have already settled the expenses following the trip.”

They added, “The government and agency had agreed in advance to settle part of the travel and lodging expenses of envoys BTS, who joined us in our visit [to New York]. In addition, the Blue House is very grateful for the activities carried out by the envoys.”

However, another tabloid explained that because the United Nations had also invited BTS as separate entity from the government, so only some of the expenses related to BTS’ activities were covered by the government.

In July, BTS was appointed the Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture. After the United Nations formally invited BTS to share a speech at General Assembly as youth representatives, BTS headed out to New York on September 18. On September 20, BTS delivered a speech at the Sustainable Development Goals Moment (SDG Moment) at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

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