Members of the K-pop supergroup BTS, from left, V, Jungkook, Jimin, RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, join White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, on May 31, 2022. (SUSAN WALSH / AP PHOTO)

WASHINGTON – South Korean boy band BTS, a fundraising juggernaut for U.S. social justice causes, met with President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians.
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The K-pop stars made brief statements to reporters prior to the meeting, calling for a halt to crimes targeting Asian Americans.

The meeting came as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander month in May drew to a close following a sharp upswing in hate crimes against the community in the past year. 

"We were devastated by the recent surge of hate crimes, including Asian American hate crimes," band member Jimin said through a translator. "To put a stop to this and support the cause, we'd like to take this opportunity to voice ourselves once again."

While the meeting was closed to the press, the White House said one goal was to "discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion and BTS' platform as youth ambassadors who spread a message of hope and positivity across the world."

A fan of BTS uses a sign to shield themself from the sun, while waiting with other fans outside the White House in Washington, DC, on May 31, 2022. (STEFANI REYNOLDS / AFP)

The meeting came as Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander month in May drew to a close following a sharp upswing in hate crimes against the community in the past year

The musicians are known for using their lyrics and social campaigns aimed at empowering youngsters since making their debut in 2013. Their fan base extends into older demographics, tying their spending clout to an internet-savvy generation that harnesses the power of social media.

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In June 2020, BTS fans raised about $1 million in one day in the #MatchAMillion online campaign for U.S. social justice causes, matching the band's donation to Black Lives Matter.

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," said Big Hit Music.
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