Okay-pop band BTS’s members Jungkook (L) and Jimin (R) salute after being discharged from a compulsory army service on June 11, 2025 in Yeoncheon-gun, South Korea
| Photo Credit: Getty Images
BTS’ Jungkook discovered himself on the heart of a firestorm this week after a behind-the-scenes photograph confirmed him sporting a cap that learn “Make Tokyo Great Again.” The picture, snapped throughout rehearsals for J-Hope’s Hope on the Stage Final at Goyang Sports Complex, triggered swift backlash in South Korea, the place tensions over Japan’s colonial previous stay uncooked.
The cap, produced by Japanese brand BASICKS, bore an uncanny resemblance to Donald Trump’s MAGA slogan — a element not misplaced on American followers both. In the U.S., the place BTS has a large following, many have been fast to draw parallels to the divisive politics surrounding Trump’s anti-immigrant insurance policies, together with these impacting Asian-American communities.
Jungkook, simply days after his army discharge, wasted no time responding. He posted an apology on Weverse, explaining that he discarded the hat instantly after realising its potential to offend.
Adding gasoline to the fireplace, BASICKS initially celebrated the controversy, boasting on Instagram in regards to the cap promoting out and even utilizing Jungkook’s picture. Hours later, after going through mounting criticism from Korean netizens, the brand issued an apology. “This design was not intended to convey any political stance; rather, it was an iconic way to express our hopes for a thriving Tokyo fashion scene,” they mentioned, insisting no offense was meant.
The incident additionally reignited scrutiny of HYBE’s dealing with of scandals. Fans accused the company of making an attempt to deflect consideration, pointing to the sudden resurfacing of outdated images of NewJeans members, as tensions rise inside HYBE’s ranks.
Published – June 15, 2025 11:13 am IST
