The seven-member South Korean boy band, BTS gave out a statement on Monday related to the recent wave of anti-Asian violence and hate spreading in the U.S. The Koren boys even talked about their personal experiences of the racism they have faced for being Asian.
BTS had posted the statement in Korean and English on their official social accounts, where they said, “We send our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. We feel grief and anger.” Though there are no specific events mentioned, the statement comes after the shootings happened outside Atlanta on March 16, where three Asian massage parlors were attacked by a gunman and killed eight people, including six Asian women.
#StopAsianHate#StopAAPIHate pic.twitter.com/mOmttkOpOt
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) March 30, 2021
The Koren music group went on to say, “We recall moments when we faced discrimination as Asians. We have endured expletives without reason and were mocked for the way we look. We were even asked why Asians spoke in English.”
“We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence for such a reason. Our own experiences are inconsequential compared to the events that have occurred over the past few weeks. But these experiences were enough to make us feel powerless and chip away our self-esteem,” BTS added.
“What is happening right now cannot be dissociated from our identity as Asians,” BTS explained. “It required considerable time for us to discuss this carefully and we contemplated deeply on how we should voice our message”
They ended the statement by writing, “We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.”