K-pop Band BTS visits press briefing and president Biden to discuss Asain Hate crimes. BTS went to the White House on Tuesday, the last day of Asian American and Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, to talk about Asian inclusion and representation as well as the surge in anti-Asian hate.
President Joe Biden issued the invitation to "discuss the need to come together in solidarity, Asian inclusion and representation, and addressing anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination, which have become more prominent issues in recent years," the White House said.
The White House hailed BTS as "youth ambassadors who spread a message of hope and positivity across the world."
The seven members of the group addressed the reporters assembled at the White House briefing room podium.
The vocalist and dancer of the group Park Ji-min, better known as Jimin, said that the group is "devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes", through a translator ahead of a meeting with President Joe Biden.
"Today is the last day of AANHPI Heritage Month, we join the White House to stand with the AANHPI community and to celebrate," band member, vocalist Kim Seok-jin said through a translator.
"We are here today thanks to our 'Army' – our fans worldwide – who have different nationalities and cultures and use different languages, we are truly and always grateful," J-Hope, Lead Rapper and Main Dancer said during the news briefing, via the translator.
"We are still surprised that music created by South Korean artists reaches so many people around the world, transcending languages and cultural barriers. We believe music is always an amazing unifier of all things," Jungkook the main vocalist of the band said.
"It's not wrong to be different, equality begins when we open up and embrace all of our differences," Min Yoongi, popularly known as Suga Lead Rapper of the band said.
"Everyone has their own history, we hope today is one step forward to respecting and understanding each and everyone as a valuable person," Kim Taehyung popular known as V lead dancer, vocalist, and visual of the group said.