K-pop boy band Seventeen has been honored with a certificate of merit from Los Angeles for its contributions to music and youth empowerment in the American city, Yonhap reported.
Joshua, a Los Angeles-born member of the 13-member boy band Seventeen, was invited by the Los Angeles City Council to receive a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the group on Friday, Pledis Entertainment said.
Joshua was born and raised in Los Angeles, after finishing high school he moved to South Korea to pursue a music career.
The group is credited with the "Seventeen the City Los Angeles" project, which began Thursday to decorate downtown Los Angeles and the city's iconic landmarks with Seventeen-themed colors and performances.
“My childhood memories are imprinted on every corner of Los Angeles. Now, to see City Hall, Hollywood and Koreatown as part of the 'Seventeen the City Los Angeles' project, and to join us and our fans, the Carats, in enjoying this special final stop of our US tour, is an absolute honor and an experience I will personally never forget,” Joshua said.
Joshua notes that Los Angeles and Seventeen have many similarities, “both thriving on the endless opportunities that diversity brings.”
“Los Angeles thrives as a cultural and creative capital, fueled by the vibrant energy of people from many different places.
Seventeen is the same, the 13 of us have harmonized our different personalities and interests to create a dynamic and creative spirit that can only be seen in Seventeen" - the male idol shared.
Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who invited Joshua to the council meeting, praised Seventeen for their role as UNESCO's first Goodwill Ambassador for Youth.
"Seventeen not only breaks records on stage, but also uses their platform to make a difference in people's lives. They embody the community spirit that we are proud to celebrate in Los Angeles every day," she said.
"Seventeen the City Los Angeles" will run through Monday and the group is scheduled to play two sold-out shows at BMO Arena in Los Angeles this weekend to conclude their U.S. tour.
