K-Pop Group BTS at The White House
(Picture: Getty Images)South Korean pop superstars BTS met with President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians.
The K-pop group called for a halt to crimes targeting Asian-Americans in the US and elsewhere after attacks escalated during the Covid pandemic.
“We were devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes, including Asian-American hate crimes,” Jimin, a member of the group, said through a translator.
“To put a stop to this and support the cause, we’d like to take this opportunity to voice ourselves, once again.”
The White House said the goal of the meeting was to “discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion and BTS’ platform as youth ambassadors who spread a message of hope and positivity across the world”.
BTS, comprised of Jimin, V, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, and JK, are known for using their lyrics and social campaigns to empower their young, devoted fanbase.
Their fanbase, dubbed “the ARMY”, is well-known for its dedication to the group.
The band made history in November last year, becoming the first Asian artists to win the top prize at the American Music Awards.
In June 2020, the band raised £793,000 in a single day in the #MatchAMillion online campaign for social justice causes, matching the band’s donation to Black Lives Matter.
The group’s management Big Hit Music said it was honoured to be invited to the White House.
“As we are visiting as artists representing South Korea, we look forward to discussing various topics including inclusion, diversity, anti-Asian hate crimes, culture and art,” Big Hit Music said.
Mr Biden last year signed the Covid-19 Hate Crimes act, which aims to expedite reviews of hate crimes related to the pandemic.
Figures published by the FBI revealed a 77 per cent increase in crimes and violence targeting people of Asian descent in the US in 2020.
