‘It’s more than just a black, Asian thing. This is a human rights problem’: K-pop’s Jay Park on his Black Lives Matter advocacy
- ‘People in Korea know racism exists, but they don’t know why it’s so important,’ says Seattle-born rapper, who acknowledges black culture’s influence on him
- He may live and work in South Korea, but Park says he is who he is today ‘because of the Seattle community and the people’, and he’ll never forget that
Over the past two decades, American-born, Seoul-based musician Jay Park has amassed an international fan base.
From his days dancing while a student at high school in Washington state to his breakthrough in the South Korean music scene as a member of boy band 2PM, to his current roles as singer, rapper, entrepreneur and dancer, he’s been working non-stop.
As at most other times in his life, Park has been very busy over the past few months, but has still kept his heart with the Seattle community that raised him.
After his “Sexy 4EVA” world tour, Park returned to his home in Seoul, South Korea, just as the coronavirus pandemic enveloped the country and the rest of the world. Since then, Park has filled his time with numerous projects, releasing new music and dance collaborations with his record labels AOMG and H1ghr Music.
He’s also spearheaded efforts inspired by recent events, including a food drive in Seattle to support people affected by Covid-19 and creating awareness (posting support on social media and coordinating statements with H1ghr Music artists) and donating to Black Lives Matter amid ongoing protests.