BTS star Jungkook has apologized for wearing a hat with the slogan “Make Tokyo Great Again” during a recent event. The phrase is seen by many as politically sensitive and linked to Japanese nationalism and anti-Korean sentiment.
Jungkook was seen wearing the hat at the 2025 BTS Festa. After fans raised concerns, the singer addressed the issue on his Weverse account. He said he did not know about the political meaning behind the phrase and expressed regret for his mistake.
“I deeply regret that I failed to recognize the historical and political significance of the phrase before wearing it,” Jungkook wrote. He added that he threw away the hat immediately after learning about its meaning.
The controversy upset many South Korean fans, who felt the gesture was careless and disrespectful. Jungkook admitted that there was “no excuse” for his action and promised to be more careful in the future.
This apology comes shortly after Jungkook’s discharge from military service, where he reunited with the other BTS members at J-Hope’s Hope on the Stage concert. Fans also noticed Jungkook might have a new tattoo, seen in recent photos from the event.
Jungkook ended his apology by thanking his fans for their support and promising to learn from the mistake.
