It was a historic moment for K-pop idol and Grammy-nominated group BTS as they met US President Joe Biden at the White House on May 31 and discussed anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination, and celebrated the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
A video released by the Twitter account of President Biden showed him discussing the issue with BTS in the Oval Office.
US President Joe Biden with BTS in the Oval Office (Big Hit Music)
“It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. President,” RM told President Biden.
“Well, welcome to the White House,” Biden told BTS.
Biden said, “This is an important month here in America. A lot of our Asian American friends have been subject to real discrimination.”
“Hate only hides. When good people talk about it and say how bad it is, it goes down. So thank you,” the US President said.
RM replied, “We want to say thank you, sincerely, for your decision like such as signing the Covid-19 Hate Crimes Act into law. So we just want to be a little help and we truly appreciate the White House and the government’s trying to find solutions.”
“People care a lot about what you say, and what you’re doing is good for all people. It’s not just your great talent, it’s the message you’re communicating. It matters.
In a tweet, Biden said, “It was great to meet with you, @bts_bighit. Thanks for all you’re doing to raise awareness around the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination. I look forward to sharing more of our conversation soon.”
BTS also spoke against hate crimes at the White House press briefing with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.