Don't underestimate the power of BTS and their army—the international pop stars have once again shown the power of their social influence as they, along with Big Hit Entertainment and The BTS ARMY, have collectively donated a little over $2 million in support of Black Lives Matter.
Days after announcing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, Variety confirmed BTS and Big Hit Entertainment donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc. In a span of 24 hours, The BTS ARMY, the group's fandom, matched the donation, raising $1,026,531 with 35,609 donors, according to Variety. BTS did not publically comment on the donation.
In a statement to Variety, Black Lives Matter's managing director Kailee Scales said the donation was a touching statement of solidarity.
"Black people all over the world are in pain at this moment from the trauma of centuries of oppression. We are moved by the generosity of BTS and allies all over the world who stand in solidarity in the fight for Black lives," Scales said.
On June 3, BTS publically showed their support on social media for the movement that has been leading protests in Los Angeles and other cities across the country and has advocated for Black lives for the last few years.
"We stand against racial discrimination./ We condemn violence./ You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.#BlackLivesMatter," BTS' tweet read in English and Korean.
While K-pop owes much of its influence to Black culture, a conversation around support and accountability, like in the greater music industry, has surfaced on social media after artist Soju posted a letter to the K-pop industry in late May. The letter stated concerns and asked for accountability in the K-pop industry's lack of support for the Black community. Soju told the San Francisco Chronicle Black K-pop fans inspired him to write the letter.
Since then, BTS and other K-pop artists, including Monsta X, have spoken out to denounce anti-blackness and racism. K-pop fans have also united to use their own assembling power against racism. On June 3, fans took over the #WhiteLivesMatter to drown out racist comments and messages on Twitter.
