BTS to discuss anti-Asian hate in White House with US President Biden

Korean megastars Bangtan Sonyeandan (BTS) is to meet with President Joe Biden in the White House on May 31 to discuss anti-Asian hate and to celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.

White House’s statement said BTS “will join President Biden to discuss Asian inclusion and representation, and to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes and discrimination which have become more prominent issues in the recent years.”

Anti-Asian sentiment have been growing in the United States since the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

They referred to BTS as “youth ambassadors who spread a message of hope and positivity across the world.”

The twice Grammy nominated septet had spoken at the United Nations General Assembly last year, as a special envoy from South Korea and had expressed expressed their faith in young people's ability to imagine a better world despite the pandemic.

Since taking office in 2020 Biden has he has launched a major campaign to reach out to young people by working with young celebrities and social media influencers.

He is the oldest US President, having assumed office at 79 years.

Previously, Biden had received pop singer Olivia Rodrigo, and the Jonas Brothers at the White House, urging for Covid-19 vaccinations.