Biden would host the global phenomenon musical
group on Tuesday and would "discuss Asian inclusion and
representation, and to address anti-Asian hate crimes and
discrimination which have become more prominent issues in recent
years," it said.
The seven members of the South Korean boy band are known for
their upbeat songs and dances and have built a loyal global fan
base, winning the IFPI Global Recording Artist of the Year crown
in February for the second straight year.
The meeting comes as May's recognition of Asian American and
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) month comes to a close
amid a sharp upswing in hate crimes against Asian Americans in
the past year. Attacks against people of Asian descent have
escalated as some politicians and pundits have encouraged
Americans to blame China for COVID-19, amid other tensions.
Just this month, a man was charged with allegedly shooting three
women of Asian descent at a hair salon in Dallas. Authorities
are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime.
The K-pop stars are also known for using their lyrics and social
campaigns aimed at empowering youngsters since debuting in 2013.
"Biden and BTS will also discuss the importance of diversity and
inclusion and BTS' platform as youth ambassadors who spread a
message of hope and positivity across the world," the White
House said in its statement.
The group's management Big Hit Music said it was honored to be
invited to the White House.
"As we are visiting as artists representing South Korea, we look
forward to discussing various topics including inclusion,
diversity, anti-Asian hate crimes, culture and art," Big Hit
Music said.
Group leader and rapper RM shared the decision on its online fan
platform, Weverse, saying the invitation has a "good cause."
(Reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington and Hyonhee Shin and
Minwoo Park in Seoul; Editing by Alex Richardson and Sam Holmes)
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