SEVENTEEN had the incredible opportunity to have a special session at the 13th ‘UNESCO Youth Forum’ in Paris, France. Mingyu, Jun, Seungkwan, Woozi, Joshua, and Vernon delivered impactful speeches and the members performed for about an hour.
During the special session at the UNESCO Youth Forum, Mingyu shared a heartwarming story. He mentioned that it was the first time he received payment since his debut in 2016. Although it wasn’t a large amount, he felt immense happiness and wanted to share it with someone. One of the members suggested using a small portion of the money for a good cause.
Mingyu shared that the names of the 13 SEVENTEEN members are also the names of the goats they gifted to children in Tanzania, Africa. They donated goats named after each member to support the livelihoods of children in rural areas.
These goats provide sustenance through fresh milk and also serve as a source of income when the children sell baby goats to pay for their education.
The talented SEVENTEEN rapper shared that while they were busy practicing one day, they received a letter and a photo from a Tanzanian child who had received one of their gifted goats. The child expressed his gratitude and shared his commitment to taking care of the goat for his dream.
Mingyu shared that he cherished the letter for a long time. The simple phrase “For the dream” had a profound impact on SEVENTEEN. It resonated with them because, like the Tanzanian child, they have always had their own dreams.
They have supported and guided each other, acting as both teachers and advisors. Mingyu confessed that the gesture of donating the goats was a way for them to take a step closer to their own dreams.
Mingyu reflected on their early days and how they started with small audiences and album sales. But just like the Tanzanian child who was determined to pursue their dream, SEVENTEEN also worked hard, learned, and grew together. Now, they’ve become a hugely successful group, selling over 15 million albums in just this year alone, nine years after their debut.
Without a doubt, Kim Mingyu’s impactful message is an inspiration to all aspiring artists and young fans who want to pursue their dreams.