Advertisement
BTS member Jungkook recently found himself at the center of a controversy after being spotted wearing a politically charged cap during the soundcheck for J-Hope’s HOPE ON THE STAGE FINAL concert. The cap, emblazoned with the phrase “Make Japan Great Again,” was quickly linked to a wider global trend inspired by the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) slogan popularized by Donald Trump. The phrase, and its adaptations, have been associated with right-wing nationalism, prompting criticism from fans and political commentators alike.
In response to the escalating backlash, Jungkook addressed the issue directly through a personal apology on Weverse. He expressed regret for his choice of accessory and clarified that he had not intended to convey any political message. While many fans appreciated his prompt and humble response, the incident sparked wider scrutiny and a domino effect within the K-pop community.
Shortly after Jungkook’s apology, fans and netizens began sharing past instances involving other idols who had worn similar caps. BTS leader RM was among the first to be mentioned, after a 2023 Instagram photo resurfaced showing him wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Comedy Great Again.” Although the wording clearly deviated from political rhetoric, the visual similarity reignited debates about whether such fashion choices—satirical or not—are appropriate for public figures.
aespa member Giselle also became entangled in the controversy when a past video clip showed her sporting a cap identical to RM’s, featuring the same “Make Comedy Great Again” phrase. This incident was further amplified by the recent criticism faced by her bandmate Karina for allegedly wearing a jacket associated with far-right symbols. As hashtags like #MAGASELLE and #MAGAESPA began trending, Giselle was accused by some users of promoting problematic ideologies—despite the lack of clear political context in her case.
In defense of RM and Giselle, many fans pushed back against the renewed attention, suggesting that attempts to bring up these older incidents were largely fueled by efforts to divert attention from Jungkook’s ongoing controversy. They emphasized the difference in messaging—pointing out that while RM and Giselle’s hats used parody or non-political phrases like “comedy,” Jungkook’s cap explicitly referenced a nationalistic phrase tied to political agendas in Japan.
Nonetheless, the discourse continues to polarize fans. Some argue that any MAGA-inspired merchandise—parody or not—carries sensitive connotations and should be avoided by public figures. Others believe that context and intent matter, especially in the case of older, arguably harmless fashion statements.
For now, while Jungkook’s sincere apology has softened the initial blow, the lingering aftermath serves as a stark reminder of how symbolic clothing choices, no matter how minor they seem, can trigger complex cultural and political reactions—especially in the hyper-scrutinized world of K-pop.