Why BTS Met With President Joe Biden at The White House This Week

Words by Camillia Dass
June 01, 2022
Tatler Asia
Jimin, Jungkook, RM and Jin of the South Korean pop group BTS speak at the daily press briefing at the White House. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Cover BTS speaking at The White House. (Photo: Getty Images)

The arrival of the septet saw fans swarming the gates of The White House in Washington D.C. in support of their favourite Korean megastars

Considering that K-pop group BTS is one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry as well as South Korea’s Special Presidential Envoy For Culture, it makes sense that they would be among those leading the fight against anti-Asian hate.

On Tuesday, May 31, the South Korean boy band met with President Joe Biden at The White House in Washington D.C. to discuss the hate crimes that were being committed against Asians.

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The group spoke to reporters before this meeting and called for an end to crimes targeting Asian Americans. 

“We were devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes, including Asian American hate crimes,” said Jimin through a translator. “To put a stop on this and support the cause, we’d like to take this opportunity to voice ourselves once again.”

“It is not wrong to be different. I think equality begins when we open up and embrace all of our differences,” added Suga.

While the actual meeting was closed to the press, The White House revealed that one of its main goals 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”.

The meeting, in particular, came about as hate crimes in the Asian American community sharply rose particularly as many leaders encouraged Americans to blame China for Covid-19. May is also Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander month in the US.

“Everyone has their own history. We hope that today is one step closer to respecting and understanding each and every one as a valuable person,” said V.

The septet, which debuted in 2013, is well known for not only producing chart-topping music but for also leveraging its popularity to empower young people and spur positive change in society. The band is also in the midst of preparing for their highly anticipated comeback. 

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