Gen Z icons TOMORROW X TOGETHER, its record label BIGHIT MUSIC, and UNICEF announced a new partnership today to support the mental well-being of young people worldwide.
The partnership was launched at an event at UNICEF Headquarters in New York City, where TOMORROW X TOGETHER discussed their motivation and expectations for the collaboration with a group of young leaders from UNICEF’s network.
Hosted by UNICEF USA Ambassador Justin Min, the event was also attended by Ambassador Sangjin Kim, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden, and Executive Director of the Korean Committee for UNICEF Cho Mijin.
Under the theme Together for Tomorrow, TOMORROW X TOGETHER will mobilise its growing global fanbase to promote open conversations on mental health and support young people to feel confident to speak up, access support, and build the social and emotional skills they need to thrive.
“Whenever we faced struggles in our lives, empathy, kindness and inclusion have helped us build stronger connections and find our way forward,” said TOMORROW X TOGETHER. “With far too many young people today experiencing mental health challenges, we are proud to join UNICEF in encouraging young people to have respectful interactions, celebrate diversity, and support peers who may feel isolated. Together we can build the supportive relationships young people need for a compassionate, resilient tomorrow.”
Globally, one in seven adolescents experiences mental health conditions, affecting their ability to learn, connect, and thrive. Nearly half of all mental health conditions begin before age 18, but stigma, fear of judgment, and lack of resources prevent many young people from seeking further support.
Through the partnership, TOMORROW X TOGETHER and BIGHIT MUSIC will contribute US$1.4 million to UNICEF over the next two years, with plans to raise additional funds through fan engagement and other activities. The funding will support a range of mental health programmes and advocacy, including efforts to provide children, adolescents, and caregivers with practical, relatable ways to protect and care for their mental health. It will also support activities such as training for professionals working with young people and research to fill gaps in available mental health data.
“Growing up can be a challenging time. Children and young people say that they often experience stigma when speaking about their mental health and they struggle to find resources for support,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s message of empathy and resilience creates more space for mental health conversations and helps equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to thrive.”
The partnership reflects BIGHIT MUSIC’s commitment to support UNICEF and will bring TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s unique voice to inspire and engage young people around the world on mental well-being.
For more information on young people’s views and experiences on mental health, see UNICEF’s global study: Mental health study shows Gen Z overwhelmed but undeterred by unrelenting global crises | UNICEF
About TOMORROW X TOGETHER
TOMORROW X TOGETHER—consisting of SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN, and HUENINGKAI—established themselves as Gen Z Icons through the compelling soundtrack that represents the common experiences and emotions of today’s generation. The quintet’s 4th Mini Album minisode 2: Thursday’s Child (May 2022 release) debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and charted for 14 weeks, while 5th Mini Album The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION (January 2023 release) debuted atop the chart. In July 2022, the band became the first K-pop group to perform at LOLLAPALOOZA in Chicago and returned a year later in August 2023 to become the first K-pop group to headline the festival. They have been nominated at prestigious awards, such as the American Music Awards and People’s Choice Awards, and won at the 2022 MTV EMAs (Best Asia Act) and 2023 MTV VMAs (PUSH Performance of the Year). In 2024, TOMORROW X TOGETHER became the first K-pop act to perform 2 consecutive sold-out shows in New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. Their 7th mini album The Star Chapter: SANCTUARY debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, cementing the leading band’s legacy as the second K-pop act ever to amass a total of 11 releases on the chart, with six of them reaching the top 5.
About BIGHIT MUSIC
BIGHIT MUSIC is an industry-leading music label that continues to pioneer new paths driven by a strong belief in music and ceaseless support from fans. BIGHIT strives to create music heretofore unseen in the world through its inimitable way, creating the music that symbolises an era that can resonate with fans across the world. Artists under the label include Lee Hyun, BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER
About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.