BTS Invited at the White House by President Biden to Discuss anti-Asian Hate Crimes

 

Global Sensational Artists BTS visited the White House at the invitation of U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes.

BTS visited the press room before meeting with President Biden on May 31st, and each member took turns to express their views on anti-Asian hate crimes.

Jimin said, "we were devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes including Asian American hate crimes, to put a stop to this and support this cause we would like to take this opportunity to voice ourselves."

J-Hope continued, "I was able to come here because of the ‘Army’ of various nationalities and languages ​​who love our music." 

Taehyung added, "Everyone has their own history. We hope today is one step forward to respecting and understanding each and everyone as a valuable person."

Jungkook said, "I think music is an amazing medium that unified all of these things." 

"It is not wrong to be different. Equality begins when we open up and start embracing all of our differences, not right or wrong," Suga emphasized.

BTS leader RM expressed his gratitude saying, "I am grateful to President Biden and the White House for giving us a chance to talk about important issues together and think about what we can do as artists."

Donned in black suits and ties, they entered the press room under the guidance of White House Spokesperson Karin Jean-Pierre and presented their sides before exiting immediately with only a greeting.

In the United States, Asian hate crimes have emerged as a more serious social issue after the spread of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). As violent crimes such as murder and harassment based on Asian hatred have increased, Korean actors Sandra Oh, Stephen Yeon, and Daniel Dae Kim, who are active in the U.S., have also actively voiced their objection.

BTS also did not remain silent on such matters. In March last year, four Korean women were killed in a series of shootings at a massage shop in Atlanta, U.S. They expressed condolences to the victims' families and made a statement criticizing racism and violence.

When BTS leader RM was asked at LA Press Conference in November last year, " BTS speaking on the Asian hate issue in the United States is making a positive impact," he said, "If I can voice out, I'll always want to speak, and I think it's good to do what I can ."

It was great to meet with you, @bts_bighit. Thanks for all you’re doing to raise awareness around the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination.

I look forward to sharing more of our conversation soon. pic.twitter.com/LnczTpT2aL

— President Biden (@POTUS) June 1, 2022

"It's not wrong to be different. The equality begins when we open up and embrace all of our differences."

Global K-pop sensation @BTS_twt spoke at the White House press briefing before meeting with President Joe Biden to celebrate #AANHPIHeritageMonth. 💜 https://t.co/aiGz01t2Ah pic.twitter.com/T6gtKaPgRZ

— Good Morning America (@GMA) May 31, 2022

By Reporter Park Hyo Sil 

Translated by Ritu kohli