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WHO chief lauds BTS for using sign language in ‘Permission to Dance’ music video

By  PINKY S. ICAMEN
Published Jul 13, 2021 8:46 pm

The music video of Korean supergroup’s latest record-smashing hit Permission to Dance has already received praises for promoting inclusivity and diversity.

There are no signs of stopping for BTS as it once again churned out a knockout summer anthem, its third all-English single co-written by hit maker Ed Sheeran. Permission to Dance keeps breaking records—from its music video views to the hit charts.

The music video of the group’s new single was released on July 9 and it immediately gained over 100 million views in about two days. As of this writing, four days after the video was released, it has raked in over 130 million views.

It’s not just the ARMY (the group’s loyal fan base) who were impressed by BTS’ bright, feel-good music video.

Recently, World Health Organization director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised BTS for including international sign language in the music video, which were also pointed out by eagle-eyed ARMYs.

“Thank you, @BTS_twt, for including sign language in your #PermissiontoDance music video,” wrote the WHO chief.

Tedros also noted the importance of BTS’ move to integrate sign language in the music video’s choreography.

“As 1.5 billion people in the world are affected by hearing loss, sign language can help them to continue enjoying music, which can bring joy to life,” Tedros added.

@BOMHARU1230 translated on Twitter an article by chosun.com that says the choreography of Permission to Dance incorporates international sign language that means “fun,” “dance,” and “peace.”

“Scratching their body while raising the thumb and slightly bending the rest of the fingers means ‘fun’.”

“Moving two fingers side to side on top of the palm of the other hand as a stage represents ‘dancing,’ and lastly making ‘V’ sign means ‘peace’.”

ARMYs and new fans took to social media to express their appreciation for the inclusivity and diversity shown in BTS’ new music video.

“My son is non-verbal (DS & autism) and when I saw it first, I couldn’t believe it. I was in disbelief. Like ‘Am I really seeing what I am seeing?’ I’m still in puddle of tears. We truly do stan seven wonderful men,” a Twitter user wrote.

@Moongenixx said, “I can definitely relate to this. As a deaf person, I was in tears when I saw the scene. I wondered why I was crying but I guess it was tears of joy. I’m so glad they show diversity and support to the deaf community.”

@angehype_ tweeted that she and her deaf cousin were watching the Permission to Dance music video. “When he saw the dance sign, he told me ‘oh, they told me to dance’. I was f***ing crying y’all.”

It was not the first time that the WHO chief took notice of the Bangtan Boys. In September 2020, he thanked J-Hope on Twitter for reminding the ARMY to wear a mask as their families gather for the upcoming holidays.

Tedros also thanked the group early September 2020 for “offering comfort and healing words” to the health workers and those suffering from COVID-19 through their music.

Banner and thumbnail screenshots from HYBE Labels YouTube channel

TAGS: BTS world health organization WHO

About the author

PINKY S. ICAMEN

Writer

Pinky is a writer who is game to take a flight to nowhere. She surrenders to the allure of unhurried coffee house culture and is still in search for the best mojito.