As introduced during BTS' 2021 United Nations Speech, COVID-19 has made the young generation feel like they're the 'lost generation,' a term originally coined by Gertrude Stein. From BTS' speech, "It was a time for us to mourn, for the things that COVID-19 took away from us, a time to discover how precious each and every moment we had taken for granted was."
BTS then propose the term 'welcome generation' to be more fitting to describe today's youth, a generation that embraces change and a generation that's characterized by extreme perseverance. "We thought the world stopped but it continues to move forward, I believe that every choice that we make is the beginning of change, not the end. I hope that in this new world we can say to each other: 'Welcome'."
The idea can also be connected to the South Korean N-po generation neologism. It describes the generations who gave up on n number of things, including relationships, marriage and children due to socioeconomic pressures. More modern n-po generations are said to be giving up even more things like hope, dreams and life. BTS has referenced it in songs like Dope and Baepsae/Silver Spoon.
BTS then propose the term 'welcome generation' to be more fitting to describe today's youth, a generation that embraces change and a generation that's characterized by extreme perseverance. "We thought the world stopped but it continues to move forward, I believe that every choice that we make is the beginning of change, not the end. I hope that in this new world we can say to each other: 'Welcome'."
The idea can also be connected to the South Korean N-po generation neologism. It describes the generations who gave up on n number of things, including relationships, marriage and children due to socioeconomic pressures. More modern n-po generations are said to be giving up even more things like hope, dreams and life. BTS has referenced it in songs like Dope and Baepsae/Silver Spoon.
"Instead of COVID's 'lost generation', a more appropriate name would be the 'welcome generation' because instead of fearing change, this generation says "welcome" and keeps forging ahead" - BTS at the United Nations
by ugh j September 20, 2021