The most powerful K-pop fans: world leaders Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron give love to K-pop industry and BTS
- Even world leaders are impressed by K-pop, as the presidents of the US and France have shown
- Biden spoke about the global reach of K-pop at a meeting with South Korean president Moon Jae-in
“K-pop fans are universal”, said one of the most powerful men on the planet last week.
Biden’s mention came around the same time as several other heads of state referenced the South Korean music world, especially BTS, in recognition of the impact and power of K-pop fans.
The same day, French President Emmanuel Macron retweeted a fan saying they would buy BTS tickets after he queried what French citizens would like to buy if they had €300 (US$366) to spend on cultural products and events. It was one of three responses he retweeted after his initial question.
“A BTS concert, thank you. And stream BTS Butter, Mr President,” read the tweet Macron shared, written originally in French.
On Monday, former South Korean prime minister Lee Nak-yeon also shared a statement congratulating BTS on winning four awards at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday. In it, he dubbed the band “Record Boys”, or “recordnyeondan” a play on their Korean name Bangtan Sonyeondan.