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On June 13, 2025, BTS’ Jungkook showed up during a practice session for j-hope’s HOPE ON THE STAGE Seoul encore concert. The show occurred at Goyang Arena and constituted a segment of BTS FESTA 2025.
There, he was spotted donning a dark hat that read, “Make Tokyo Great Again.” The slogan swiftly traversed across the internet after many pictures from the rehearsal inspection.
Netizens noted that the expression resembled Donald Trump’s 2016 election catchphrase, “Make America Great Again.” In Japan, this phase has formerly emerged in political spaces, reportedly within the context of patriotism and anti-Korean inclination.
So, the meaning behind "Make Tokyo Great Again" is allegedly linked to undercurrents of anti-Korean sentiment. For instance, Tokyo’s governor, Yuriko Koike, once sported a sash with the identical phrase during a drive. She’s part of the LDP, a leading conservative group in Japan often tied to superpatriotic beliefs.
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Some online users flagged the phrase as sensitive, particularly because it has been used in contexts associated with anti-Korean messages. Even in Japan, it’s sparked criticism, with people saying it feels too political or heavy.
BTS’ Jungkook apologizes for sporting controversial hat, says he was ignorant of its political connotation
BTS’ Jungkook dropped a note on Weverse on June 13th (KST). The Seven singer said sorry after people online called him out for wearing a “Make Tokyo Great Again” hat during practice.
Many pointed out that the phrase could connect to past political or historical ideas. The BTS' maknae revealed he was unaware of the meaning behind the inscription on the hat. The 27-year-old said it was his responsibility for failing to verify before putting it on.
"Hello, this is Jung Kook. I feel heavy to write this after meeting you after a long time. I sincerely apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience caused to many people by the phrase on the hat I wore during rehearsals today," Jungkook wrote (as translated by Google Translate).
The artist added:
"I take it seriously that I have been disappointed and hurt by my lack of wearing it without fully confirming the historical and political meaning of the phrase. I'm just sorry There is no excuse for any reason. I wasn't good enough, I was careless. 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. The hat was disposed of immediately. Once again, I'm sorry" (as translated by Google Translate).
This occurred soon following his completion of service on June 11, together with his bandmate Jimin. The affair marked his first public outing since concluding service.
The label behind BTS Jungkook’s “Make Tokyo Great Again” cap addresses the debate
The fashion label, @basicks.jp, responsible for the product, later issued a clarification. The company confirmed that the cap design "Make Tokyo Great Again" on Jungkook's cap was created solely for style purposes and did not carry any political meaning. It emphasized that the slogan had no link to any campaign or ideology.
