Jungkook’s Cap Sparks Controversy, Brand Sells Out After Apology

By Yoona, Lee

Jun 14, 2025

Jungkook’s Cap Sparks Controversy, Brand Sells Out After Apology
BTS' Jungkook saluting the entire country



Jungkook of global K-pop idol BTS immediately apologized when he was embroiled in a controversy that he wore a hat containing inappropriate phrases during a rehearsal for his fellow member J-Hope's solo concert shortly after being discharged from the military. However, the mother-son joksa announced that it was out of stock due to the effect of Jungkook's use.

Jungkook wrote on the fan platform Weverse on the 14th, "I am truly sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience caused to many people by the words on the hat I wore during the rehearsal," he said. Earlier, before taking the main stage of J-Hope's concert, Jungkook took the rehearsal stage wearing a black hat released by a Japanese fashion brand. The hat in question had the words 'MAKE TOKYO GREAT AGAIN' (Let's make Tokyo great again).

When the photo was released, some communities voiced criticism. Some netizens argued that the phrase, which seems to be a parody of the slogan 「Make America Great Again」 that President Donald Trump has used all along, is a glorification of Japanese imperialism and colonial rule.




Jung-kook immediately issued an apology. "I take seriously the fact that I have been disappointed and hurt by my lack of wearing it without fully confirming the historical and political significance of the text," he said. In the meantime, the controversial hat was immediately discarded, and "There is no excuse for any reason. I wasn't good enough, I was careless. From now on, I will think one by one and act."

As Jungkook's photo of him wearing the hat hit SNS, it was sold out in official online shopping malls and shopping platforms. The hat is a product of Japanese brand B and was sold for 13,200 yen (about 125,300 won) on the official online mall. The brand also announced the sold-out news through an official Instagram notice along with a picture of Jungkook wearing the hat.

Meanwhile, Jungkook of BTS met his fans after serving in the military on the 11th.




▶Next is Jungkook's writing

Hello, I'm Jungkook.

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.

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.



lyn@sportschosun.com