As the seven BTS members - V, Suga, Jin, Jung Kook, RM, Jimin, and j-hope - strode confidently across the White House lawn towards President Biden, anyone watching would have been able to feel their nervous excitement. After all, to be invited to sit down with the President of the United States in the Oval Office to discuss matters of Asian inclusion, representation, and putting a stop to anti-Asian hate crimes is an opportunity that doesn’t come along every day. Yet, with humble gratitude, BTS embraced this opportunity, their effervescent attitudes shining through despite the formality of the occasion. For millions of fans throughout the world, this was a great day to be ARMY.
BTS have long been regarded as beacons of hope in a world where one can oftentimes feel overwhelmed and undervalued. On any given day, BTS’ healing messages of hope and love can be felt, heard, and experienced. Such is the strength of their convictions, that whether in person or online, the impact of their words is just as meaningful. In fact, it may seem that the septet shines brightest only when they are performing live on the stage, surrounded by their fans, but actually, BTS shines brightly like global superstars, wherever they go. Whether they’re shooting hoops at a local arcade or presenting at the United Nations as South Korea’s special presidential envoy for future generations and culture, BTS are iconic!
Credit: White House Twitter
If we stepped away from all the glitz and glamor for just a moment though, BTS would still be global superstars. They understand the power of their platform, their voices, and their fandom - utilizing all three to speak back to all manner of injustices in today’s society. Whether it’s mental health or education, employment or racism - BTS always take a considered approach to how they engage because they also understand the responsibilities that come with their fame and fortune.
‘Ambassadors for Hope’ may sound a little cliché, but the truth and sincerity that sits in that phrase is immeasurable. Hope is woven throughout BTS’ discography, with lyrics such as ‘there will be a bright light shining on you when tomorrow arrives’ (“Tomorrow”) or ‘the morning will come again, because no darkness, no season can last forever’ (“Spring Day”). Hope reminds us that no matter how dark life may be or how heavy our burdens may feel, light can still find its way into our hearts and minds. That is probably why ARMYs believe that you find BTS when you need them most; in those darkest moments, hope is what’s needed most.
As we turn our attention now, back to the beginning of this month and the unprecedented event of BTS’ meeting with President Biden, we need to realize that the path responsible for leading BTS to this moment started months prior, if not years. In March 2021 BTS posted an official statement on their official Twitter account, declaring their stand against racial discrimination and violence. BTS have never faltered from this position.
While some might want to detract from this auspicious occasion and try to undermine its value or dismiss it entirely, many others have once again expressed their gratitude, thanks, appreciation, and love for BTS’ words and actions. One touching moment took place at the conclusion of BTS’ short, but meaningful speech in the WH James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. As BTS were leaving the stage, a Korean reporter in attendance shouted out “BTS 화이팅!” (BTS fighting) and 감사합니다” (thank you), to which the members also replied “감사합니다.” That the reporter was inspired in that moment to make his support known to the members is commendable, despite the consequences that might have followed as result. That BTS were also able to receive his words in that moment (and all that they represented) is heartwarming.
We can only imagine what it must have felt like for the BTS members, to experience something as significant as meeting the US President. Over the years they’ve broken countless records, and been the recipients of distinguished awards both nationally and internationally, including their appointment as “Special Envoys” during former president Moon Jae-in’s administration. “Ambassadors for Hope” is just one aspect of BTS, but it’s an extremely important one.
With everything that our world has experienced since the onset of Covid-19, BTS has continued to instill hope through their music. Yet, in all humility, they are still amazed that their music can unify “so many people around the world, transcending languages and cultural barriers.” Jung Kook may be the youngest member of BTS, yet his words spoke volumes. With his six 형 (older brothers), BTS is helping to shape history and leading by example as representatives for youth and leaders of tomorrow.
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Written By: Shelley
Edited By: Aury
Checked By: Miranda
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