BTS' Jungkook apologizes for wearing controversial hat during concert rehearsal
BTS member Jungkook has issued an apology after receiving criticism for wearing a hat with the phrase "Make Tokyo Great Again" during a rehearsal for bandmate J-Hope's recent encore concert.
In a statement posted on his Weverse, Jungkook admitted that he didn't "fully check" the historical and political meaning carried by the phrase.
"My heart feels heavy writing this kind of message after meeting you for the first time in a long while. I sincerely apologize for the disappointment and discomfort I caused many people through the phrase that was written on the hat I wore during today’s rehearsal," he wrote, as per Soompi.
The 27-year-old BTS vocalist continued, "The fact that I disappointed and hurt people due to my shortcomings by wearing the hat without fully checking the historical and political meaning carried by the phrase is something that I am taking very seriously."
In case you didn't know, Jungkook made a surprise appearance at the first night of J-Hope’s HOPE ON THE STAGE final concert on June 13 at the Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea.
During the pre-show rehearsal, eagle-eyed users noted his headwear, a hat bearing a slogan, "Make Tokyo Great Again," seemingly derived from "Make America Great Again," most notably popularized by US President Donald Trump.
The phrase quickly sparked controversy, particularly in South Korea. Critics highlighted Japan’s history of imperialism and past tensions with Korea, which remained under Japanese colonial rule until 1945. For many, the slogan, even if intended innocently, evoked "sensitivities" related to this complex historical relationship.
Nonetheless, Jungkook assured the public that he would "think more deeply" about every action he would make in the future.
"I am nothing but sorry. There is no excuse, regardless of my reasons. I was lacking, and I was careless. In the future, I will think more deeply before each and every one of my actions."
"I will humbly accept all criticism and reproof for my mistake. The hat was immediately disposed of. Once again, I apologize," Jungkook concluded.
Jungkook, together with Jimin, are the new additional BTS members who were discharged from military service on Wednesday, June 11, following RM and V a few days before, Jin in June 2024, and J-Hope in October of the same year. Suga, meanwhile, is currently fulfilling his duty as a social service agent, an alternative to military service.
