K-Pop Band BTS Talks About Asian Hate Crimes In The US

Korea’s IBTS says it feels “sad and angry” over hate crimes against Asian Americans in the United States.

A statement from the group – published in Korean and English – points to a discriminatory experience that made them feel “powerless”.

Over the weekend several protests and rallies took place in 60 American cities with the aim of dealing with deadly shootings in Asian parts of Atlanta.

Four of the eight victims were of Korean descent.

The recent spike in the deliberate targeting of Asian parts of the population is thought to come from people blaming China for the coronavirus pandemic.

‘The right to dignity’

“We cannot put into words the pain of being the subject of hatred and violence for such a reason,” the BTS statement said.

“Our experience is insignificant compared with what happened a few weeks ago.

“But this experience was enough to make us feel powerless and to lose our confidence.”

U.S. President Joe Biden has spoken of “hateful hate crimes against Asian-Americans who have been assaulted, tortured, accused and expelled.”

Last year the United Nations published a report describing the “alarming rate” of racially motivated violence against Asian Americans.

The BTS states that they “oppose racism” and say that everyone “has the right to be respected”.

More than 2,800 reports of hate incidents against Asian Americans have been submitted by the Stop AAPI Hate promotional group by 2020.

It set up an online reporting tool at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic last year.

Some high-profile celebrities have spoken out about their experiences in the face of racial discrimination.

Killing Eve actress Sandra Oh gave a speech at a rally describing the “fear” and “anger” amongst Asian-Americans.

“This is the first time we are even able to voice our fear and our anger, and I really am so grateful for everyone willing to listen,” she said before encouraging the crowd to chant: “I am proud to be Asian. I belong here.”