JUNGKOOK
JUNGKOOK’s (BTS) controversial cap sparked backlash… but sold out in a flash.
BTS’s JUNGKOOK may have quickly issued an apology and tossed the cap he wore during J-HOPE’s concert rehearsal, but that didn’t stop fans from rushing to buy it. The black cap, featuring the politically sensitive slogan “Make Tokyo Great Again,” caused an uproar due to its associations with Japan’s conservative right, but sold out almost immediately after JUNGKOOK was seen wearing it.
The singer responded on Saturday, a day after the concert, acknowledging that the wording on the cap had caused “disappointment and discomfort” among fans.
The slogan, reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign phrase and also used by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, was criticized for seemingly glorifying Japan’s imperialist past. Despite the backlash, the ¥13,200 (approximately $91.60 USD) cap from Japanese brand Basicks quickly sold out. The brand later issued a public apology.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Basicks clarified that the slogan carried “no political intention.”
“We apologize to those who were upset by this design. It simply reflects our hope to see Tokyo’s fashion scene thrive,” the brand wrote.
The controversy erupted on Thursday during rehearsals for “Hope on the Stage Final,” the encore concert of J-HOPE’s world tour, held at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi Province. JUNGKOOK, who was scheduled to appear as a special guest, was seen wearing the cap.
“There’s no excuse, no matter the reason. I was careless and at fault. From now on, I’ll think more carefully and act more responsibly,” JUNGKOOK said, adding that the cap had already been discarded.
For context, JUNGKOOK was officially discharged from mandatory military service on June 11.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS BTS, site web Basicks
