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What benefits does BTS get with their diplomatic passports?

The K-pop group may be the most popular act today (Image via bts_bighit/Twitter)
The K-pop group may be the most popular act today (Image via bts_bighit/Twitter)

BTS once again officially became South Korea's pride on September 15. The K-pop megastars are now the first and only artists in the pop culture industry to be appointed as Special Presidential Envoys.

The seven men attended the ceremony at the Blue House and were given certificates of appointment, a fountain pen, and diplomatic passports by President Moon Jae In himself.


BTS members enjoy perks with diplomatic passports

While ARMYs the world over celebrated this incredible, history-making move, some wondered how diplomatic passports differ from regular ones. Moreover, is getting a diplomatic passport such a significant achievement? And, of course, the perks that come with it.

With the significance of having an entire ceremony to give a passport and other things, fans know it's a special document.

Red diplomatic passports are incredibly special, and they aren't given to everyone. They are provided only to the most notable higher-ups.

Some of the only people with red passports are the President, the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, civil servants, and former presidents and their families, according to Newsen.

There's a long list for eligibility and a longer one for benefits. One criteria ARMY takes the most pride in is that individuals under 30 to 35 years of age aren't qualified "unless they've achieved something outstanding".

BTS' eldest member, Jin, is only 29 and will turn 30 in Korean age this December, while the youngest, Jungkook, is only 25.

With a diplomatic passport, the band's members can now get visa exemptions from 199 countries, traveling without any delay or needing a visa. They can even meet any top-ranking government official, they'll never have to pay airport departure tax, and they'll get high red carpet treatment and diplomatic lounge use.

There are other benefits such as getting a discount on diplomatic cars, upgrades on travel via airline, and hotel upgrades.

the first photo shows the advantages of having a diplomatic passport. and damn. applicants younger than 30-35 years of age aren’t qualified to have a diplomatic passport unless “they’ve achieved something outstanding”. BTS truly is their nation’s pride @BTS_twt https://t.co/fZx3L8byjI

However, these diplomatic passports can only be used for special government-related activities. BTS can use this passport while accompanying the President to the UN General Assembly, making travel smoother and more manageable. But, they can't use it for their personal trips.

For award shows, tours, vacation, filming, etc., the BTS members will have to use their personal passports.

During the appointment ceremony, First Lady Kim Jung Sook praised BTS by emphasizing their global influence, saying:

"Our generation learned English by listening to pop songs, but these days, people around the world are learning Korean to understand BTS' songs."

Meanwhile, BTS will give an opening speech at the Sustainable Development Goals Moment at the UN General Assembly on September 20. They will also present a video performance.

BTS being the ice breaker in meetings between world leaders.... their level of being South Korea's pride are different than the rest https://t.co/dYpVaeM2Eu
so so proud of bts truly nation’s pride ☹️ https://t.co/IGEZwTV0ZE
LOOK AT THEM! MY CHEST IS FILLED WITH SO MUCH PRIDE! BTS SOUTH KOREA'S PRIDEBTS ARMY'S PRIDE https://t.co/ONM0Puhkny
So proud of themRM a.k.a Kim Namjoon💙Jin a.k.a Kim Seokjin💗Suga a.k.a Min Yoongi🖤j-hope a.k.a Jung Hoseok❤Jimin a.k.a Park Jimin💛V a.k.a Kim Taehyung💚JK a.k.a Jeon Jungkook💜BTS a.k.a Bangtan sonyeondan#방탄소년단BTS SOUTH KOREA'S PRIDEhttps://t.co/FQrVtKyxBr
bts, our and south korea’s pride 🥺https://t.co/1KdQ8EN3ON

In other news, BTS is gearing up for another live concert. Titled "Permission To Dance On Stage," it will live stream on October 24, 2021, exclusively on Weverse.

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Edited by Ravi Iyer
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