Latest news with #HopeontheStageFinal
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
BTS' Jungkook sparks outrage with ‘Make Tokyo Great Again' hat, brand forced to apologise
BTS' Jungkook found himself at the center of a firestorm this week after a behind-the-scenes photo showed him wearing a cap that read 'Make Tokyo Great Again.' The image, snapped during rehearsals for J-Hope's Hope on the Stage Final at Goyang Sports Complex, triggered swift backlash in South Korea, where tensions over Japan's colonial past remain raw. The cap, produced by Japanese brand BASICKS, bore an uncanny resemblance to Donald Trump's MAGA slogan — a detail not lost on American fans either. In the U.S., where BTS has a massive following, many were quick to draw parallels to the divisive politics surrounding Trump's anti-immigrant policies, including those impacting Asian-American communities. BTS Jungkook seen wearing a 'Make Tokyo Great Again' caphttps:// — pannchoa (@pannchoa) June 13, 2025 Jungkook, just days after his military discharge, wasted no time responding. He posted an apology on Weverse, explaining that he discarded the hat immediately after realising its potential to offend. Adding fuel to the fire, BASICKS initially celebrated the controversy, boasting on Instagram about the cap selling out and even using Jungkook's image. Hours later, after facing mounting criticism from Korean netizens, the brand issued an apology. 'This design was not intended to convey any political stance; rather, it was an iconic way to express our hopes for a thriving Tokyo fashion scene,' they said, insisting no offense was meant. The incident also reignited scrutiny of HYBE's handling of scandals. Fans accused the agency of trying to deflect attention, pointing to the sudden resurfacing of old photos of NewJeans members, as tensions rise within HYBE's ranks.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
BTS Jungkook's Make-Tokyo-Great-Again hat controversy forces brand to apologise after sell-out frenzy: ‘The design isn't political, but…'
BTS' Jungkook was discharged on June 12, and the first thing he did was to apologise for a controversial fashion choice. The youngest member of the South Korean band was seen rehearsing in a behind-the-scenes photo for J-Hope's 'Hope on the Stage Final' at Goyang Sports Complex, where he was set to perform a special segment. In the photo, the K-pop star was spotted wearing a black cap that read Make Tokyo Great Again. While it might have looked like a harmless fashion pick to global audience, in Korea, it triggered massive backlash given the painful history between Japan and South Korea. Riding the controversy, the brand behind the cap, which earlier scored free promo and saw the stock fly off shelves, was then forced to apologise and clarify that the design was never intended to be political. Also read: BTS' fans debate if Jungkook knew history before wearing Make Tokyo Great Again cap; K-pop star apologises for being 'careless' Jungkook wasted no time, penning a long note on Weverse before HYBE could step in, saying he had discarded the hat right away. However, soon after, the brand BASICKS behind the cap jumped on the free promo. Taking to their Instagram Stories, they boasted about being completely sold out, even using the Seven crooner's pic to ride the wave. But a few hours later, as Korean netizens fumed with anger, the Japanese brand was forced to release a statement. They apologised to anyone who felt uncomfortable but clarified they never meant for the design to be political. 'That said, we believe in the freedom to express ideas through fashion. This design was not intended to convey any political stance; rather, it was an iconic way to express our hopes for a thriving Tokyo fashion scene.' Meanwhile, Jungkook kept taking heat, and HYBE's attempt to handle the mess only made it worse. Fans called out the agency for trying to manipulate the media and divert attention from the controversy. Right after the hat drama blew up, NewJeans, another HYBE group under its subsidiary ADOR, got dragged into a separate mess. The five-member girl group is already locked in a lawsuit against the agency, seeking separation, making it clear things aren't smooth between them. Then, out of nowhere, old clubbing photos of Danielle and Haerin resurfaced. Some claimed HYBE deliberately leaked these pictures to shift the focus away from Jungkook's scandal. Also read: BTS' RM writes anniversary letter to ARMY, shares 'strange' feelings: 'I want to walk romantically with you all' Even in America, where K-pop and BTS enjoy a huge fanbase, the controversy didn't sit well as the cap echoed the same energy as Donald Trump's MAGA hat. Trump's administration is currently facing heavy scrutiny because of anti-immigrant policies, including those targeting Asian-Americans. In South Korea, the matter was even more sensitive, and it came just days after aespa member Karina got dragged into a similar mess. It is widely believed that Tokyo's governor, Yuriko Koike, who has been accused of holding anti-Korean views, once used similar wording.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
BTS reunites at J-Hope's concert in Seoul
BTS was complete on their 12th anniversary! All seven members were present on the first day of J-Hope's Hope on the Stage Final concert on June 13, Friday. Held at the Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea, the show saw the six members posing for the cameras and also performing with J-Hope. RM, Suga, Jimin, and V were in the audience and were shown on screen, much to the delight of fans. Meanwhile, Jungkook performed his solo single 'Seven' onstage with J-Hope, as well as their collaboration, 'I Wonder.' Jin also treated ARMYs with a performance of 'Spring Day' with J-Hope. He also performed his solo song, 'Don't Say You Love Me.' The three members also got together to sing their 2019 song "Jamais Vu." The concert was also J-Hope's first time performing his latest single, 'Killin' It Girl.' The BTS members underwent mandatory military enlistment starting in 2022 and promised to reconvene as a group this year. Jin and J-Hope were the first members to be discharged in 2024. RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook were discharged this week, making Suga the only member still completing his service. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News
India Today
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
BTS countdown 2025: Discharge dates, comeback clues, OT7 reunion buzz
The wait is finally nearing its end, and June is set to shower ARMYs with heart-fluttering updates. After nearly two years of serving their country, the BTS members are wrapping up their military duties this off the excitement, V gave fans a heads-up on June 1 by posting a screenshot that read 'Private Elio D-9' on Instagram, officially starting the discharge countdown. Both V and RM are set to complete their service with the Military Police Special Task Force (SDT) on June 10, marking a major step toward the long-awaited OT7 reunion. advertisementFollowing RM and V's discharge from the military, Jimin and Jungkook will officially be discharged from their service on June 11. Suga, who is currently serving as a social service worker, will be discharged on June 21. With this, BTS will end their hiatus that has continued since the end of 2022 and is on the verge of making a full comeback. Meanwhile, the hyung line is already back in action. Jin, who completed his service on June 12, will hit the stage for his solo fan concert 'Run Seok Jin--EP Tour' at Goyang Stadium on June 28 and 29. J-Hope is also gearing up to light it up with his Hope on the Stage Final concerts at the same venue on June 13 and stated, "We are aiming for full group activities in 2025." There is a growing possibility that BTS will make a full comeback by the end of this year at their earliest or in the first half of next year at the May 31, BTS dropped a hilarious self-produced video titled (2025 FESTA) BTS News on YouTube. Starring Jin as the anchor and J-Hope as a multi-role reporter (even playing ARMY), the skit is full of humour, inside jokes, and signature BTS chaos. The video also revealed this year's FESTA theme: Twelve O'Clock, inspired by their song 00:00 (Zero O'Clock), symbolising fresh starts. 'It represents the future we will walk together with ARMY,' Jin Hit Music has confirmed that the offline FESTA event will be held on June 13 and 14 at KINTEX in Goyang, featuring 20 booths across two large BTS marks their 12th debut anniversary this year, all eyes are on what this new chapter will bring. A new era? A new album? One thing for sure is that the purple magic is about to return.
Korea Herald
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
J-Hope to hold encore concerts in Seoul, next month
J-Hope of BTS will hold encore concerts for his world tour 'J-hope Tour 'Hope on the Stage'' at Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province, June 13-14, Big Hit Music announced Thursday. On Wednesday, J-Hope shared a poster for the upcoming concert via Hybe's global fandom platform, Weverse. The encore shows are expected to serve as the grand finale of his solo journey so far. J-Hope began his first solo world tour in Seoul on Feb. 28. He has, since then, traveled to 15 cities for 31 shows, meeting fans across the Americas — including Brooklyn, Chicago and Mexico City — as well as Manila, Saitama, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Macao, Taipei and Osaka. The timing of the concert is of significance: The opening night of the encore concert falls on June 13, the anniversary of BTS' debut, making it a meaningful gift for the group's global fan base, Army. 'We are preparing thoroughly to ensure that J-Hope's signature energy and captivating performances are delivered with full impact,' Big Hit Music said in a statement. Tickets for 'Hope on the Stage Final' will go on sale in two phases: early access for official fan club members begins at 8 p.m., June 12, followed by general ticketing starting at 8 p.m., June 13. Fans unable to attend in person can also enjoy the concert via online livestream. Further details are available through BTS' official channel on Weverse.
