BTS Speak Out Over Anti-Asian Hate

BTS has spoken out against anti-Asian hate in the U.S. after a spate of attacks against the community.

The K-pop supergroup opened up about the "grief and anger" they are feeling in a heartfelt statement posted to their social media accounts in both Korean and English.

"We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence for such a reason," the statement reads.

The band, made up of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, continued: "Our own experiences are inconsequential compared to the events that have occurred over the past few weeks.

"But these experiences were enough to make us feel powerless and chip away at our self-esteem."

The group offered their "deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones" and said they recall moments when they "faced discrimination as Asians."

"We have endured expletives without reason and were mocked for the way we look," they added. "We were even asked why Asians spoke in English."

Rallies took place in 60 American cities in recent days in response to deadly mass shootings in Asian-owned spas in Atlanta, Georgia, which saw eight people were killed, including six Asian women.

On Monday, an Asian-American woman was brutally attacked while walking to church in the middle of the day on a New York City street, prompting an investigation with the New York Police Department Hate Crime Task Force.

Harrowing video footage of the incident, which has been viewed almost 3 million times since it was shared by ABC7NY reporter CeFaan Kim, shows the suspect repeatedly kicking the woman in the head while she is on the ground.

Kim claimed the suspect told the victim, "f*** you, you don't belong here," before walking off.

"We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence for such a reason," the statement continues.

"Our own experiences are inconsequential compared to the events that have occurred over the past few weeks. But these experiences were enough to make us feel powerless and chip away our self-esteem.

"What is happening right now cannot be dissociated from our identity as Asians."

They conclude: "But what our voice must convey is clear. We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together."