Biden to Meet BTS at the White House... Discussing Anti-Asian Hate Crimes (Summary)

White House "Discussing Hate Crimes and Discrimination... BTS as Youth Ambassadors Delivering Hope"
BTS Emphasizes Criticism of Hate Crimes

The world-renowned K-pop group BTS will meet U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House. Photo by AP

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina, Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The world-renowned K-pop group BTS will meet U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House.

On the 26th (local time), the White House announced that President Biden will meet BTS on the 31st to discuss 'anti-Asian hate crimes' and other issues in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It is unusual for a U.S. president to invite a pop music group to the White House.

The White House introduced, "BTS, a global K-pop phenomenon and Grammy nominee from Korea, will join President Biden to discuss Asian inclusion and representation, as well as address anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination." It also emphasized, "President Biden and BTS will highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion and spread messages of hope and positivity worldwide."

This move is interpreted as a response to the recent increase in racial crimes in the U.S. Since the spread of COVID-19, hate crimes against Asians have surged. According to CNN and the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, over 10,000 hate crimes against Asian and Pacific Islanders have occurred from March 19, 2020, to last year. On the 11th, three Korean women were injured in a shooting by a Black man at a beauty salon in Dallas Koreatown, Texas.

BTS leader RM said through the fan community, "It happened. Many things happen in life, but since this is for a good cause, I will do well." He added, "Last time I visited the U.S., I only watched from afar, but now I get to go inside. This is also yours because I am going thanks to you all. Please support us a lot," expressing gratitude to fans.

BTS has consistently raised their voice against anti-Asian hate crimes. At a press conference in Los Angeles last November, leader RM stated, "If I can raise my voice (regarding Asian hate issues), I always want to do so, and I think it’s good to do what we can." He continued, "Although I did not grow up in the U.S., there are many barriers. Thinking about the path we have walked, I feel honored and happy that the music we made can be a great strength to Asians living abroad, not in their homeland."

U.S. media also noted BTS’s consistent stance against anti-Asian hate crimes. CNN reported, "This meeting takes place just days after President Biden returned from his visits to Korea and Japan," adding, "Amid widespread anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S., BTS has also shared their experiences of discrimination." The political media outlet The Hill reported, "K-pop superstar BTS brings 'Dynamite' to Washington, raising awareness about anti-Asian hate crimes with President Biden." Dynamite is BTS’s signature hit song.