Global K-pop phenomenon BTS officially signs with Philippine telco Smart as their newest brand ambassadors, the telecommunications company announced on Monday, January 18.

Prior to the official announcement, CEO Manny Pangilinan took to Twitter earlier on Monday to tease the Filipino netizens about the project, as he wrote “You asked for it, we’re giving it to you. Watch out for the event partnership of the year at 5 PM”.

BTS is said to appear in Smart’s biggest 2021 ad campaign called “Live Smarter, Live with Purpose” which is set to release in the first quarter this year. The partnership aims to showcase BTS’ support to Smart’s goal which is to inspire the Filipino youth to live their lives with passion and purpose.

“Aside from their remarkable talent, BTS emerged as the biggest band in the world because of their meaningful and uplifting music that brings hope and encouragement to fans especially in the bleakest of times. It is therefore a big honor to welcome BTS to the Smart family so we may inspire more Filipinos to find purpose in everything they do and ultimately live Smarter for a Better World,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO.

In the first part of the video, the Grammy-nominated music act greeted their Filipino fans “Hello Philippines!”. In unison, BTS members RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook also proudly delivered the telco giant’s one-liner, “Simple, SMART Ako, altogether after main rapper RM announced, “We’re here to support SMART’s goal to inspire our Filipino fans to live their lives with passion and purpose, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.”

 “Just like BTS who are able to inspire millions of young people all over the world through their music, Smart Prepaid aims to bring about amazing experiences to the Filipino youth through technology to make life easy, fast, and simple. This way, the young generation are empowered to immerse in their interests and succeed with their pursuits,” said Jane Basas, SVP and consumer wireless business head at Smart.

BTS is currently one of the most popular across the globe, as they are in the momentum of receiving recognitions and awards, including being the first ever South Korean act to finally top the US singles chart ‘Billboard Hot 100’ in 2020, with their track ‘Dynamite’, and bagging nominations for the 2021 Grammy.