The conversation between BTS and US President Joe Biden at the White House

On May 31 (US time), BTS had a meeting with President Biden in honor of AANHPI (Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) Heritage Month. Before their private meeting with the US President, BTS members made a special appearance at a White House press conference. Here, the Korean boys talk about wanting to help end hate crimes and discrimination against Asians.

On the same day, President Biden posted a short clip of his meaningful meeting with BTS on the US President’s official Twitter account, writing, “Nice to meet you, BTS Thank you for all you are doing to raise awareness about the rise of hate crimes and discrimination against Asians I look forward to sharing more of our conversation soon. “.

At the White House, BTS member RM told President Joe Biden, “We sincerely thank you, sir, for signing off on a bill to address the increase in crime and hate violence against Americans. We are of Asian descent during Covid-19. We just want to make our small contribution and appreciate the recent efforts of the White House and the US Government.”

In the video, President Biden told the BTS members: “People care a lot about what you say and what you’re doing is good for all. It’s not only your amazing talent but also yours. is the message you’re conveying. That’s important.”

BTS spread the message of equality

Earlier, at the press conference, BTS’ Jimin said, “We are saddened to witness the recent increase in hate crimes, including Asian-American hate crimes. To put an end to this. , we want to take this opportunity to speak for ourselves once again.”

Since their debut in 2013, BTS has been known for many songs and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people. The Grammy Award-winning boy band thanked their fans, known as Army, for their unwavering support.

According to the Center for the Study of Hatred and Extremism (CSUSB) in the US, hatred against Asian Americans increased by more than 300% last year, as Donald Trump continued to encourage Americans to blame China on the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan bill that would address the rise in hate crimes against Asians into law.

BTS’s visit is quite unusual for President Joe Biden’s day in office since taking office. Prior to that, he met New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and had lunch with Vice President Harris and met with Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen.

History will judge whether the 79-year-old’s next encounter with BTS creates an image as memorable as Richard Nixon’s meeting with Elvis Presley in 1970.