BTS, a South Korean group, took Tuesday's invitation from Joe Biden to denounce racism directed at Asian people. It also sparked excitement at the White House.
"We are devastated at the recent increase in hate crimes including hate crimes targeting Asians," stated Jimin (Park Jimin), one of seven K-pop artists, who was on stage with the White House press room for the occasion.
There is nothing wrong in being different. "Equality starts when we acknowledge and own our differences," stated Suga (Min Yoongi), another member. His words, similar to those of Jimin have been translated.
The young men in white shirts and dark tie suits paraded before journalists, who asked them to make brief statements. They were then received by the American president.
After the briefing recommenced, the audience was reduced to a bare minimum. Joe Biden's economic advisor arrived and joked that "I could tell my children that BTS turned up the room for me." BTS was invited by Joe Biden as part of a series celebrating America's Asian community and decrying the racism it faces.
According to a White House statement, the American president would like to meet with the most powerful boy band in the world to discuss "the inclusion, representation, and discrimination against Asians," as well as "the racist crimes, and discrimination against Asians," according to a White House statement. They will meet privately, without the media.
The White House wishes BTS to be "ambassadors for youth who spread hope and optimism to the world".
Already twice, the septet was invited to address the United Nations in 2018 and 2021 about climate change, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
It's been a while since the fame of these seven artists, all in their twenties, has swept the globe. Three of BTS songs have reached the top of the Billboard charts, which is the American chart for the most-popular songs.
Their record-breaking annual revenue of $1 billion in 2021 was driven by album and online content sales.
Joe Biden (79), the oldest President of the United States, is the communications team. They have launched a huge offensive to reach young audiences through collaborations with stars and influencers.
So, we have seen Olivia Rodrigo, an American pop star, in the White House, as well as the Jonas Brothers, a group that teenagers love.
