The return of BTS member Jungkook from military service has been marked by both celebration and controversy, as the singer recently issued an apology for wearing a hat with the slogan "Make Tokyo Great Again" during rehearsals for J-Hope's "HOPE ON THE STAGE" concert. The incident occurred just two days after Jungkook's discharge and during preparations for a surprise appearance at the concert, which coincided with BTS's 12th-anniversary FESTA celebrations.
The hat, bearing a phrase reminiscent of the politically charged "Make America Great Again," sparked immediate backlash online. Many fans and netizens pointed out the potential insensitivity of the slogan, given its association with specific political ideologies. Critics argued that Jungkook, with his global stature and fluency in English, should have been more aware of the phrase's connotations.
In response to the controversy, Jungkook took to the fan platform Weverse to issue a heartfelt apology. "Hello, this is Jungkook. It weighs heavily on my heart to write this after seeing you all again after such a long time," he began. He expressed deep regret for causing "disappointment and discomfort" due to the phrase on the cap. Acknowledging his lack of awareness, Jungkook stated, "I deeply regret that I failed to properly recognize the historical and political significance of the phrase before wearing it. I fully acknowledge my lack of awareness and care that has led to disappointment and hurt. I am very truly sorry."
Jungkook took full responsibility for his actions, saying, "There is no excuse [for my action] despite whatever reason. It was my fault and I was careless." He vowed to be more thoughtful in the future, stating, "From now on, I will think deeply about every decision and act more carefully. I humbly accept all the criticism and concerns regarding my mistake." He also confirmed that the hat had been "discarded immediately." The apology concluded with a simple but firm, "Once again, I would like to deeply apologize."
While some critics questioned how Jungkook could be unaware of the phrase's implications, especially considering his experience with releasing a full-length English album, his loyal fanbase, ARMY, rallied to his defense. Many fans argued that the backlash was disproportionate and that honest mistakes should not be weaponized. Some emphasized that Jungkook's swift apology and commitment to learning from the incident should be acknowledged. One user wrote, "He doesn't owe anyone a fan war," while another stressed that Jungkook's actions post-incident—his swift apology and immediate disposal of the hat—were commendable.
The incident has ignited fan wars across social media platforms, with rival fandoms criticizing Jungkook, while ARMYs have come out in full force to defend him. Despite the controversy, many fans are focusing on the positive aspects of Jungkook's return and his surprise appearance at J-Hope's concert. Photos and videos of Jungkook and Jin at the concert venue circulated online, sparking excitement and hope for a mini-reunion of the BTS members, six of whom have now been discharged from military service.
The "Make Tokyo Great Again" hat controversy serves as a reminder of the potential impact of seemingly innocuous fashion choices, especially for public figures. Jungkook's prompt apology and commitment to learning from the experience have been seen by many as a sign of maturity and responsibility. As BTS continues its FESTA celebrations and prepares for future activities, the incident highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness in a globalized world.
