The famous K-pop group BTS met on Tuesday (local time) with US President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss ways to respond to Asian hate crimes. The White House was surrounded by the BTS Army fan club, and more than 100 reporters flocked to the 49-seat White House press room, capturing every BTS move on camera. The 35-minute discussion took place to deliver the message of the U.S. government to combat discrimination against Asian-Americans through the popular BTS.
“When good people talk about how bad hate is, it diminishes. People listen to what you say,” President Biden said, expressing hope for BTS ‘role in reducing Asian hate crimes. BTS thanked the Biden administration for signing the Asian Hate Crimes Bill, saying they hoped it might be of some help in trying to find solutions. After the meeting, President Biden presented BTS with commemorative coins.
Seven BTS members, dressed in white T-shirts, black bows and black dresses, took the podium consecutively and urged an end to Asian hate crimes. Leader RM opened the discussion in English, saying it is an honor to talk about Asian hate crimes, compromise, diversity and other key issues, thanking President Biden and the White House for the opportunity to think about what they can do. BTS as an artist to deal with. with these problems.
Other members spoke Korean, which was translated into English. “We were devastated by the recent rise in hate crimes, including Asian-American hate crimes. To end this and support the cause, we would like to take this opportunity to express ourselves once again,” he said. Jimin. Suga said, “It’s not bad to be different. We believe that equality begins when we open up and embrace everything. Of our differences.”
“We are here once again to express our gratitude to our army, to our fans around the world, who have different nationalities and cultures and use different languages,” J-Hope said. “We are truly and always grateful.”
“We are still amazed that music created by South Korean artists reaches so many people around the world, transcending language and cultural barriers,” Jungkook said. “We believe that music is always an amazing and wonderful unifier of all things.”
weappon@donga.com