They are international musical icons, but BTS is beyond music. The Grammy-winning K-pop group is headed to the White House, where they will speak to President Joe Biden about the rising anti-Asian hate crimes and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month.
So far, details have not been released, but they are slated to head to 1600 N. Pennsylvania Ave on Tuesday, May 31. “President Biden has previously spoken about his commitment to combating the surge of anti-Asian hate crimes and signed into law the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act in May 2021 to provide law enforcement with resources to identify, investigate, and report hate crimes and ensure that hate crimes information is more accessible to AA and NHPI communities,” the White House announced. “President 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.”
BTS is also a part of UNICEF’s initiative titled “Love Myself,” an anti-violence campaign. They have also been guests and performers at the UN General Assembly.
The White House has been working to partner with millennials and socially popular figures in an effort to draw in youth engagement on different social issues. Selena Gomez worked with First Lady Jill Biden to bring awareness to mental health, while Paris Hilton visited the White House earlier this month to highlight her advocacy for the protection of youth in residential programs.
