BTS Jungkook is facing backlash for wearing a controversial hat during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s encore concert. The hat bore the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again,” a slogan linked to far-right groups in Japan and viewed as politically charged due to its allusion to Japan’s imperial past—a highly sensitive issue in South Korea.
Soon after photos of Jungkook wearing the hat went viral, Korean netizens expressed outrage. Jungkook quickly apologized and stated he has since discarded the hat.
Japanese far-right forum users reportedly celebrated Jungkook’s choice of headwear. The hat sold out rapidly despite the controversy, raising concerns about fandom-driven consumerism’s negative impact.
The brand behind the hat claimed the slogan was intended to support Tokyo’s fashion scene, not political motives. Many remain unconvinced.
In a viral TheQoo post, netizens condemned both Jungkook and buyers of the hat for what they called a “harmful influence.”
“Sigh… just shows the level of the fandom.”
“If you sing in English but don’t understand the meaning, that’s just embarrassing. Even if you don’t care about world issues, wearing that without thinking deserves criticism.”
“The singer and the fandom really are a perfect match.”
“That’s some impressively harmful influence.”
As the situation develops, backlash continues over Jungkook’s “MTGA” hat and its wider implications.
Source: TheQoo and SportsKhan
