South Korean boy band BTS became the first K-pop group to be nominated and win a Billboard award for the Top Social Artist, surpassing Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, and Shawn Mendes.
Also known as Bangtan Boys, BTS made history during Sunday night’s 2017 Billboard Music Awards, and there was plenty of support from fans who call themselves the “Army”.
“#BTSBBMAS,” the hashtag for the group on Twitter, was used more than 300 million times alone before the awards, according to BuzzFeed.
However, some netizens were not having any of it, with ignorant people spouting racist views:
One user, who has since deleted her Twitter account, said she couldn’t understand what the group was saying when they accepted their award.
But band member Rap Monster, who spoke on behalf of BTS, spoke in English for the majority of his speech, saying: “We still cannot believe that we’re standing here on this stage at the Billboard Music Awards.“
The BTS “Army” also clapped back with receipts, explaining why the group’s win is such a huge and historic moment for Asian representation:
yea this is why we need asian representation here, people aren’t used to seeing talented asians succeed in the music industry pic.twitter.com/raEUAzZHHO
— vs 🔥🐲 (@etherealfool) May 22, 2017
So glad that a kpop group like BTS has paved a new path & set new goals for Asian representation here. Social media is a very powerful tool
— OG (@tattedpoc) May 22, 2017
Seeing BTS win, I want to see more recognition and representation of Asian artists in music or acting. They set the goal. #BTSBBMAs #BBMAs
— Triet (@37NOUIS) May 22, 2017
CALL ME DRAMATIC BUT I’LL NEVER BE OVER THIS. I’M LIVING FOR ASIAN ARTISTS BEING RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR WORK AND TALENT. #BTSBBMAs #BBMAs pic.twitter.com/xxQLt8aN0c
— Triet (@37NOUIS) May 22, 2017
Singer and songwriter Halsey concurs as she congratulated BTS on their win, telling the band: “I love you! Your videos are so cool!”
“Congrats on the win guys! This is a massive moment for kpop! Love!!!!!!! #BTS,” she wrote on Instagram.
