On the last day of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI), BTS visited the White House to speak about Asian representation and address anti-Asian discrimination.
BTS Meet the White House
On May 31st, the last day of AANHPI Month, Kpop idols BTS visited the White House. In a press briefing with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, they discussed anti-Asian hate and advocated for Asian inclusion.
According to Caitlin O’Kane from CBS News, each member spoke to the press about their feelings concerning the recent surge in hate crimes. BTS discussed how they are “devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes,” how they believe music is a “unifier of all things,” and how “equality begins when we open up and embrace all of our differences.”
BTS also met with President Biden to address the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. These hate crimes are part of the anti-Asian violence that has been on the rise since the pandemic. According to a national report from Stop AAPI Hate, there were 10,905 reported hate incidents from March 19, 2020, to December 31, 2021.
Advocates for Change
The Kpop supergroup is no stranger to advocating for change. Though this is their first time at the White House, the group has spoken three times at the United Nations. They’ve asked youths to speak themselves, brought hope to the darkness of COVID-19, and encouraged environmentalism.
In 2021, the group spoke several times about the grief and anger they felt from the anti-Asian violence in the U.S. BTS shared personal stories to show empathy, understanding, and sorrow for the vicious surge of anti-Asian hate.
BTS are more than talented artists; they are youth ambassadors who spread love, spirit, and respect.
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