BTS’ #StopAsianHate tweet was Twitter’s most shared in 2021
The K-pop stars shared the tweet amid a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes
BTS’ #StopAsianHate tweet has been revealed as Twitter’s most-shared post of 2021.
The tweet, which the K-pop group shared in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community amid a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, has amassed more than a million retweets and 2.5 million likes to date.
Twitter wrote in a blog post yesterday (December 10): “During a period in which we saw a rise in hate crimes against Asians, BTS put their influence and massive following to good use, sharing a powerful message in an effort to #StopAsianHate.”
The social networking giant also revealed that #BTS emerged as the top hashtag this year.
The news follows an announcement that the Korean pop juggernauts will be taking an extended period of rest for the first time since 2019. The band’s representatives from label Big Hit Music have confirmed they are now taking time off to recharge.
They wrote: “We would like to inform you that BTS is planning to take a second official extended period of rest since their first in 2019, after they complete their official scheduled events of ‘BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – LA’ and the ‘2021 Jingle Ball Tour.”
“BTS stayed active in order to engage with fans in 2020 and 2021 amidst the Covid-19 situation, and achieved dazzling results to cement themselves as top global artists.”
“This period of rest will provide the members of BTS who have tirelessly committed themselves to their activities, a chance to get re-inspired and recharge with creative energy,” the statement added.
“It will also be the first time for them since their debut to spend the holiday season with their families. We kindly ask once again that you show consideration for their need to enjoy ordinary and free, everyday lives while solely concentrating on themselves, albeit for a short while, during their period of rest.”
Last month, BTS were crowned Artist Of The Year at the American Music Awards, beating Taylor Swift, Drake, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo and The Weeknd.
The prestigious prize was the band’s third award of the evening. They also took home the awards for Favourite Pop Duo or Group, and Favourite Pop Song for ‘Butter’.