BTS Donates $1m to Black Lives Matter
BTS, a South Korean boy band, has donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter (BLM) in support of U.S protests against police brutality.
Big Hit Entertainment, the boy’s band music label confirmed the news to Reuters on Sunday.
On Thursday, the seven-member band wrote on Twitter that they are against racism and violence, with the hashtag BlackLivesMatter:
“We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.”
The hashtag quickly went viral among BTS‘ ardent fanbase who started another hashtag, MatchAMillion, as many of them also made donations.
The movement encouraged the group’s fanbase, known as ARMY (Adorable Representative MC for Youth) to match the $1million donation the group made.
One Twitter account said: “ARMYs, let’s #MatchAMillion with BTS’s donation to #BlackLivesMatter!”
While commending the group’s kind gestures, Kailee Scales, managing director for Black Lives Matter, said: “We are moved by the generosity of BTS and allies all over the world who stand in solidarity in the fight for Black lives.
“Black people all over the world are in pain at this moment from the trauma of centuries of oppression.”
The boy band suspended their world tour over coronavirus concerns in April.
The group’s gesture comes at about the same time when Sony Music, an American global music conglomerate; launched a $100 million fund to support social justice and anti-racism initiatives around the world.
Michael Jordan, a NBA legend, had also announced that he would be giving $100 million to brands; dedicated to promoting racial equality and social justice.
