BTS’s Jungkook is facing backlash for wearing a controversial hat during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s Seoul concert.
On June 13, Jungkook appeared as a special guest on stage with J-Hope and performed his hit “Seven.” But ahead of the show, he wore a black cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again.” The slogan spoofs Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again,” sparking criticism due to sensitive historical tensions between South Korea and Japan.
Many fans saw the hat as politically charged and culturally insensitive.
Jungkook quickly responded with an apology on Weverse on June 14, stating the hat had been “discarded.”
The brand behind the cap, Basicks, also released a statement apologizing:
We sincerely apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable.
That said, we believe in the freedom to express ideas through fashion.
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.
Fans showed relief that the design had no political intent and praised both Jungkook and Basicks for addressing the controversy swiftly.
