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BTS opens up on Anti-Asian hate: K-pop band reveals shocking moments of being ‘mocked’, fans say ‘stop AAPI hate’

'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' the band said

BTS, the Grammy-nominated K-pop group has opened up about facing hatred as Asians and has urged everyone to come together against racial discrimination and violence. Sharing incidents where they were ‘mocked’ as Asians or for the way they look and how that chipped away their self-esteem, the South Korean music group has shared their feelings of grief and anger in light of the recent spate of violence against the Asian community. 

In a note, BTS has opened up speaking about their own experiences with minute details for the very first time. The statement starts with, “We send our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. We feel grief and anger.” Recounting horrible moments where the record-breaking music group faced instances of racism, the K-pop septet shared, "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."

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'Stop Asian hatred'

Speaking of the recent violence against Asians, BTS wrote, "We cannot put into words the pain of becoming subject to 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." The group firmly asserts, "What is happening right now cannot be dissociated from our identity as Asians."

Speaking on how important it is for the group to voice their message, BTS said, "It required considerable time for us to discuss this carefully and we contemplated deeply on how we should voice our message." The statement affirmed, "But what our voice must convey is clear. We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together."

The powerful message of BTS has caused a flood of social media responses where BTS ARMY is coming together to amplify the voices of discriminated. Fans have also thanked the group for opening up and sharing their story with the world. Fatima Farha, a journalist wrote, "Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and conveying such a powerful message. I’m sorry for what you’ve had to go through, what your community has gone through. We’re all standing in this together, always. #StopAAPIHate #StopAsianHate."

Another fan shared, "It’s painful to admit but it was necessary cos even with all your success you guys were not stranger to mockery. In fact, cos of your visibility you guys received more. No matter how hard you worked, what you achieved, people were cruel. Thank you for speaking up #StopAsianHate."

BTS' tweet has also made fans realize that this is the first time the group is openly talking about their own experiences of racism and discrimination that they faced. A fan wrote, "We all know how they were mistreated and they faced it. It makes me feel so happy that they finally speak up and address this issue after a very long time experiencing it. No word is enough to describe how much we respect and love them."

Fans have recounted their own experiences of facing racism and shared with the hashtag stop Asian hatred. A fan wrote, "Acceptance" a simple word that consists of 10 letters, but hard to demonstrate and to model. I'm more than proud to be an Asian. No race is superior nor inferior. We are all equal and have the right to be respected." 

'Love Myself' campaign

BTS has recently renewed its commitment to UNICEF to help end violence and neglect, and promote children and young people’s self-esteem and well-being through 'Love Myself' campaign. As a part of the campaign, BTS and Big Hit will donate over $1 million to UNICEF, along with proceeds from the sale of LOVE MYSELF merchandise and a portion of the profit from 'LOVE YOURSELF' album sales.

In a video speech, RM said, “We are extremely moved and thankful that our LOVE MYSELF campaign, which began with small steps, is now being elevated to an even bigger partnership. We also strived to “LOVE MYSELF” ourselves, and I think we as a team and as individuals grew as well.”