BTS Jungkook is facing backlash again for wearing a “Make Tokyo Great Again” (MTGA) hat, even after apologizing and discarding it. The hat, made by Basicks Japan, has since sold out.
Jungkook was spotted wearing the contentious MTGA hat during rehearsals for J-Hope’s concert in Seoul. The phrase draws from Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan and stirs controversy due to the tense history between South Korea and Japan.
Jungkook quickly apologized and said he disposed of the hat. However, the brand is cashing in on the attention, sharing Instagram Stories of Jungkook in the hat and announcing it sold out in both colors on their official site.
Korean fans are furious, criticizing Jungkook for ignoring the political and historical sensitivity of the message.
“I like Jungkook, but he really needs to consider where he stands… With all the celebrity scandals lately, ignorance is definitely a fault too. He has massive influence. He should be more careful.”
“I got chills the moment I saw that hat’s message. There is only so much that could be blamed on being uneducated. How can you not know what that simple phrase means as a Korean? It’s embarrassing to call him a Korean star. Just go to Japan and be a Japanese singer.”
“Did he really think this wouldn’t be an issue..? He really can go about his day, not using his brain at all…? At that level, he deserves the criticism.”
“The words are literally make, Tokyo, great, and again. Don’t even try telling me that maybe he didn’t read it before buying. That’s such a sorry excuse.”
“Disappointed, disappointed, seriously disappointed.”
“Straight out of the military, too. Like, did he really want to wear a hat with that kind of message? I used to like Jungkook, but this is disappointing.”
International fans on Reddit are also calling his choice “disgusting,” noting the phrase’s association with Trump amid his harsh immigration policies targeting Asian and Korean Americans.
As the controversy grows, more K-pop idols are facing heat over politically charged fashion, like aespa’s Karina, who was dubbed “MAGArina” after wearing red ahead of South Korea’s presidential election.
Stay tuned as this story develops.
