BTS Talks, Fans Flock: The K-Pop Supergroup’s First Visit To The White House

On the final day of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage month, global icons of K-pop, BTS, visited the White House to speak with President Joe Biden. They also addressed a packed press conference against anti-Asian prejudice.

Their Fans withstood the scorching sun, jammed their faces against the fence, and gripped their cameras in the hopes of catching a glimpse of their idols. On 31^st May,  young fans packed the White House gates, mimicking a pop concert – but not for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, whose approval ratings are declining.

BTS, the Korean pop idols, were in town to inject a shot of excitement into a lethargic Washington, explore Asian inclusion and representation, and confront hate crimes against Asians. They paid their first visit to the White House on the final day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity.

Each member of the Korean band — RM, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, Jin, Jungkook, and V – spoke briefly at the White House’s daily press briefing with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes, Asian representation, and inclusiveness.

“The recent spike of hate crimes, including Asian American hate crimes, has saddened us,” Jimin said. “To stop this and show our support for the cause, we’d like to utilize this occasion to speak up once more.”

Jungkook stated that he believes music can unite “all things during the press conference.” “We’re still shocked that South Korean musicians’ music reaches so many people worldwide, cutting across languages and cultures.”