BTS, among other illustrious individuals, will be honored by the Asia Society for their responses to COVID-19 and racially-motivated violence.
The Asia Society is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that “works to address a range of challenges facing Asia and the rest of the world.” Asia Society also provides insight, generates ideas, and promotes collaboration between Asia and the rest of the world through the arts, business, culture, education, and policy.
In partnership with Citi, the Asia Society honor leaders from all across the world each year; in 2020, the Asia Society will award the “2020 Asia Game Changers” to leaders who have saved lives, changed lives, and lifted spirits.
According to the Josette Sheeran, the CEO of Asia Society, “In this time of profound global challenge, our 2020 Game Changers shine a beacon of love and courage across our divided globe. They have met the moment, and they have inspired the world. We are honored to bring them to our signature global event.”
This year, the Asia Society will honor BTS for “transforming Korean culture, for their bold commitment to solidarity, and for using their global platform to inspire millions to give to Black Lives Matter.”
Earlier this year, BTS and BigHit Entertainment stated their solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter and donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter in light of the movement. In response, ARMYs launched a campaign to match BTS’s donation, and millions of ARMYs and K-pop fans successfully contributed.
More recently, BTS’s new single “Dynamite” made history as it debuted at #1 on the coveted Billboard 100 chart. BTS became the first all-South Korean group to top the chart. The following week, “Dynamite” maintained it’s #1 position and broke records again.
Other honorees include “godmother of Korean cinema” Miky Lee, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, philanthropists Joe and Clara Tsai, Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna, and acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
The 2020 Asia Game Changer Awards celebration will be held virtually on October 22nd. Yo-Yo Ma will perform at the event.
Past “Asia Game Changers” honorees include Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, entrepreneur Jack Ma, actor Dev Patel, the Kung Fu Nuns of Nepal and India, and His Highness the Aga Khan.
Congratulations BTS!
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