Racism against asian culture has been prominent across the world for years, and now K-pop sensations BTS are taking major steps in tearing down that hatred.

BTS or the Bangtan Boys are a Korean pop boy band. They have made many major accomplishments in their nine years of being a band including multiple Grammy nominations, having the most ‘Group of the Year’ wins at the MTV VMAs, and being the first Korean act to have ten top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot 100. Their most recent hits include their three English singles, “Dynamite”, “Permission to Dance”, and “Butter”.

The band is composed of seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Since becoming popular in the U.S. and other areas of the world, all members have experienced hatred, online bullying, and death threats, with many being in regards to their culture and race.

At a press conference held at the SoFi Stadium in California, leader of the band RM stated, “When we talk about Asian hate, our path, all the awards and our music, we just hope that this can truly help every Asian in the world, especially who live in countries abroad”. 

In 2018, BTS gave a speech at the United Nations General Assembly about discrimination and hate. “I want to hear your voice, and I want to hear your conviction. No matter who you are, where your from, your skin color, gender identity: speak yourself” RM said. 

Surely one of their biggest accomplishments, BTS flew out to the White House this May to visit with President Joe Biden to discuss asian racism in the world.

It is no question that K-pop and the recent trends of asian culture are bringing attention to the racism and discrimination that exists around the world. This is why groups with such a large platform, such as BTS, matter greatly in combating racism and hate. K-pop, anime, asian cuisine, and other trends are taking over the world, and it’s our job to be respectful and supportive to other practices and ideas.