The sensations of South Korean K-pop, BTS, did not sing a word, but on a visit to the White House on Tuesday to meet with President Joe Biden, the message of the supergroup against anti-Asian racism went be strong and clear.
The seven stars, dressed in matching dark suits and ties, in white shirts, joined White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the podium in the newsroom, a small but powerful stage.
Another member, Suga, called for tolerance, saying, “It’s okay to be different. I think equality starts when we open up and accept all our differences.”
Outside the mansion grounds, on the other side of a high black fence, fans calling themselves “the army” gathered in hopes of being able to see them.
It was certainly something new for economic policy adviser Brian Deese, who had been scheduled to brief reporters on Biden’s fight against US inflation just after the group left.
– ‘Youth ambassadors’ against hatred –
Anti-Asian sentiment and violence in America have grown during the coronavirus pandemic in a phenomenon that many blame for the downturns of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2021 alone, hate crimes against Asians rose 339 percent, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism.
The White House praised BTS’s sleek, flabby stars as “youth ambassadors spreading a message of hope and positivity around the world.”
It is credited with generating billions for South Korea’s economy, and its label enjoyed increased profits despite fewer concerts during the pandemic.
These included pop singer Olivia Rodrigo and the Jonas Brothers in campaigns to persuade young Americans to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
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