BTS Visits White House to Showcase 'Positive Influence' Worldwide... Gift Received from Biden

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[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] BTS, the first Korean artist to visit the White House, discussed anti-Asian hate crimes with U.S. President Joe Biden.

According to Big Hit Music, on the 31st (local time), BTS visited the White House on the last day of the U.S. 'Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month' to discuss measures to combat anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden.

Immediately after the meeting, BTS expressed on their official Twitter, "Thank you for inviting us to the White House," and said, "It was a great honor to discuss such an important issue with President Biden." They added, "And we sincerely thank our ARMY (BTS fandom) who made all of this possible."

During the meeting, President Biden mentioned recent hate crimes targeting Asians, stating, "When good people talk about hate and how bad it is, hate gradually decreases." He continued, "People listen to what you (BTS) say. What you do is good for everyone," adding, "This is not because of your (artistic) talent but because of the message you communicate with people, and that is the important point."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

In response, BTS's RM expressed gratitude for the recently signed and enacted 'COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act' and said, "We hope to make even a small effort to find solutions to hate crimes against Asians."

Previously, BTS has consistently voiced their stance on Asian hate issues, which was the topic of the meeting. In March last year, BTS expressed "sincere anger" on Twitter regarding anti-Asian hate in Western societies and attached related hashtags (#) to highlight discrimination and hate issues.

Additionally, at a press conference in Los Angeles last November, RM stated, "If I can raise my voice (regarding Asian hate issues), I always want to do so and do what I can." He added, "Although I did not grow up in the U.S., there are many barriers," emphasizing, "Considering the path we have walked, I feel honored that the music we create can be a great strength to Asians living abroad, not in their homeland."

According to Big Hit Music, after the meeting, President Biden presented BTS with a presidential commemorative coin. They also took a group photo making the 'finger heart' pose, which is frequently used by K-pop idols on stage and has become globalized.

Before the meeting, BTS visited the White House briefing room and shared their purpose and impressions of the visit in front of about 100 reporters.

BTS first showcased their global popularity by becoming the first Korean singers to top the Billboard main singles chart 'Hot 100' with their first English single 'Dynamite' in 2020. Their single 'Butter,' released last year, held the number one spot on the Billboard main singles chart for 10 weeks, demonstrating immense influence in the U.S. and global music markets.

Meanwhile, BTS, who arrived in the U.S. on the 29th, will conclude their short trip and return home on the 1st.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.