Just two days after his discharge from mandatory military service on June 11, 2025, BTS’s Jungkook found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy. The global pop sensation was spotted wearing a black cap emblazoned with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” during rehearsals for J-Hope’s concert in Seoul on June 13, 2025. What might have seemed like a simple fashion choice quickly ignited a firestorm of backlash, particularly from Korean netizens and fans who recognized the loaded political connotations behind the slogan.
The phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” is a clear riff on former U.S. President Donald Trump’s infamous “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) slogan, which has long been associated with right-wing, nationalist, and conservative movements. More controversially, this adapted slogan has been adopted by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko, who frequently uses it in her speeches emphasizing Tokyo-first policies. Koike’s political stance has drawn sharp criticism due to her alleged ties to the hate group Zaitokukai and her refusal to acknowledge historical atrocities such as the Kanto Massacre, a dark chapter in Japan-Korea history involving massacres of Koreans in the 1920s.
Given the fraught history between Korea and Japan, especially regarding Japan’s colonial rule and wartime actions, many saw Jungkook’s hat as a deeply insensitive choice. The backlash was swift and intense, with many fans and observers questioning how Jungkook, a globally aware artist fluent in English and familiar with international politics, could wear such a politically charged item without understanding its implications.
The brand behind the hat, BASICKS, capitalized on the moment, proudly announcing on Instagram that Jungkook’s wearing of the cap helped sell out their stock, captioning their post with “No stock.” This commercial angle only added fuel to the fire, as critics felt the controversy was being exploited for profit.
In response to the mounting criticism, Jungkook took to the fan platform Weverse on June 13, 2025, to issue a heartfelt and sincere apology. In his message, he expressed deep regret for causing disappointment and discomfort. “I sincerely apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience caused to many people by the phrase on the hat I wore during rehearsals today,” he wrote. Jungkook admitted that he had failed to fully understand the historical and political meaning behind the phrase and acknowledged his carelessness. “There is no excuse. I wasn’t good enough; I was careless,” he stated candidly.
He further promised to be more thoughtful in the future, saying, “From now on, I will think more deeply and act one by one. I will humbly accept both the criticism and criticism of my mistake.” Importantly, Jungkook confirmed that the hat had been immediately discarded following the incident.
The apology was met with a mixture of relief and support from BTS’s devoted fanbase, known as ARMY. Many praised Jungkook for addressing the issue directly and promptly, without waiting for an official statement from his agency. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) saw hashtags such as #WeLoveYouJungkook and #YouDontNeedToApologize trending, with fans emphasizing the sincerity of his apology and urging others to let the matter rest.
However, the incident also sparked fan wars and criticism from rival fandoms and observers who questioned how someone of Jungkook’s stature and experience could overlook the political weight of such a slogan. Some pointed out that, given his fluency in English and international exposure, the oversight seemed careless, if not negligent. Yet others speculated that idols often wear items chosen by stylists without fully understanding their implications, a factor that complicates how such controversies unfold.
This episode is not the first time K-pop idols have faced backlash for perceived political symbolism in their attire. For example, Karina from Aespa previously faced criticism for wearing a jacket associated with a political party, highlighting how sensitive and volatile the intersection of politics and pop culture can be in South Korea.
Adding to the challenges Jungkook has faced since his military discharge, he was also the target of a disturbing stalking incident. On the day of his discharge, a Chinese woman in her 30s attempted to trespass into his home, leading to her arrest by Seoul police. This unsettling event underscored the intense scrutiny and pressure Jungkook endures as one of the world’s most famous entertainers.
Despite the controversy, Jungkook’s return to the stage was a momentous occasion for BTS and their fans. On June 13, 2025, he made a special guest appearance at J-Hope’s concert in Seoul, performing alongside J-Hope and Jin during the finale of the HOPE ON THE STREET world tour. Fans were thrilled to witness a mini BTS reunion, and many noted Jungkook’s vibrant new look, including a fresh chest tattoo that quickly became a trending topic online.
As of now, six out of seven BTS members have completed their mandatory military service, with Suga set to finish his public service duties by June 2026. This milestone paves the way for the group’s long-anticipated full-member comeback, much to the excitement of the global ARMY community.
Jungkook’s recent experiences highlight the complicated balance K-pop idols must maintain between personal expression and public responsibility. His swift apology and willingness to accept criticism demonstrate a maturity that resonates with many fans, even as the incident serves as a reminder of the cultural and historical sensitivities that artists must navigate in today’s interconnected world.
