2025-06-14T06:16:26Z

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SEOUL, June 14 — Jungkook, a prominent member of the globally popular South Korean band BTS, has publicly apologized following backlash over a hat he wore during a rehearsal for j-hope’s encore concert. The incident occurred during the first night of j-hope’s highly anticipated Hope On The Stage Final concert, which took place at the Goyang Sports Complex, a venue often used for large scale events, including concerts and sports competitions.

During the rehearsal, Jungkook was photographed wearing a hat that bore the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again.” This slogan alarmingly echoes the infamous “Make America Great Again,” a phrase popularized by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The choice of words sparked significant controversy, particularly due to the historical context of Korea and Japan's fraught relationship, stemming from Japan's colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945.

The negative reactions to Jungkook's choice of attire stem from long-standing sensitivities regarding Japan's historical actions in Korea, which continue to affect contemporary relations between these two nations. Following the backlash, Jungkook took to Weverse, a social media platform popular among K-pop fans, to express his remorse in the early hours of June 14.

In his heartfelt message, he stated, “My heart feels heavy writing this kind of message after meeting you for the first time in a long while. I sincerely apologise 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 further acknowledged, “There is no excuse, regardless of my reasons. I was lacking, and I was careless.”

To underscore his accountability, Jungkook revealed that the hat was discarded immediately after the rehearsal, indicating his understanding of the gravity of the situation. This incident highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and the potential repercussions that can arise from seemingly innocuous choices, especially for public figures like Jungkook who are under constant scrutiny.