Latest news with #KoikeYuriko
Mint
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
BTS' Jungkook starts political stir with his hat: Why he had to apologise
Jungkook, South Korean boy band BTS' member, had to apologise for wearing a hat 2025 BTS Festa with slogan 'Make Tokyo Great Again' during his first public appearance after his release from the military service, sparking a political stir among the masses and a backlash. Jungkook immediately issued an apology. As photos of Jungkook from BTS Festa emerged, showing him wearing a hat with the slogan 'Make Tokyo Great Again,' many drew parallels to US President Donald Trump's politically charged 'Make America Great Again' phrase – also being adopted by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko, accused of an 'anti-Korean' stance. Given Jungkook's massive fan following, many felt that wearing the hat was a careless and potentially offensive gesture on the singer's part. As he drew a massive backlash for his gesture, Jungkook issued an apology to his fans and to everyone who was offended. 'I am just sorry,' he said. Jungkook said he was 'careless' and from now on, 'he would think more deeply.' 'I deeply regret that I failed to properly recognize the historical and political significance of the phrase before wearing it. I fully acknowledge my lack of awareness and care that has led to disappointment and hurt,' he said. Koike Yuriko has faced accusations of holding an 'anti-Korean' stance and having ties to Zaitokukai, a group widely regarded as a hate organisation. The Japanese politician has also been criticised for allegedly refusing to acknowledge historical atrocities such as the Kanto Massacre. BTS members Jungkook and Jimin were released from South Korean military service – mandatory in the South for all men under 30 – bringing the K-pop supergroup closer to a reunion as they promised fans a 'better version' of themselves soon. More than a thousand fans gathered at the site of a press conference near the two Army bases on Wednesday, June 11, where singers Jimin and Jungkook were discharged. 'Thank you so much for waiting for us all this time,' Jungkook said, addressing his fans. 'Now that we've been discharged, I believe it's time for us to keep drawing the picture we've always envisioned. We'll make sure to prepare well and show you an even better version of ourselves.'
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Jungkook Apologises For Wearing 'Make Tokyo Great Again' Cap At BTS Festa: 'I Was Careless'
Last Updated: The slogan has also been adopted in Japan by political figures like Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko, often used in the context of nationalism and reportedly anti-Korean sentiments. BTS' Jungkook sparked backlash after being spotted in a controversial cap during rehearsals for the 2025 BTS Festa. The black hat featured the phrase 'Make Tokyo Great Again" – a slogan that echoes Donald Trump's 2016 campaign line 'Make America Great Again." The slogan has also been adopted in Japan by political figures like Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko, often used in the context of nationalism and reportedly anti-Korean sentiments. Given the sensitive political implications, the hat's appearance on Jungkook stirred immediate criticism, particularly among Korean netizens who felt the phrase was offensive and careless. The phrase's historical and political baggage has made it controversial in both Western and Asian contexts. BTS Jungkook seen wearing a 'Make Tokyo Great Again' cap — pannchoa (@pannchoa) June 13, 2025 Following the online outrage, Jungkook took to WeVerse to issue a heartfelt apology. 'Hello, this is Jung Kook," he began. '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." He further acknowledged his mistake, stating, '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. There is no excuse. I wasn't good enough; I was careless." i respect jungkook for handling it so maturely, the fact that he didn't even wait for a statement but he addressed it HIMSELF, apologized and let it stop here rather than letting it escalate from people assuming anything from wearing the hat, he's always so sincere and genuine. — i love 정국♡⁷ (@giantpopjeon) June 13, 2025 Jungkook added that the hat was immediately disposed of and promised to be more mindful going forward: '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. Once again, I'm sorry." The apology was met with a mix of relief and understanding from ARMYs, with many praising Jungkook for his prompt and sincere response. Meanwhile, Jungkook's return to the stage after completing his military service created massive buzz. He joined J-Hope and Jin during the Hope On The Stage finale, creating a mini BTS reunion that left fans emotional. Adding to the excitement was Jungkook's vibrant new look as fans noticed a fresh chest tattoo peeking through his outfit. The visible ink quickly became a trending topic online, as ARMYs reacted with enthusiasm and surprise. First Published: June 13, 2025, 23:29 IST
NHK
a day ago
- Politics
- NHK
Campaigning kicks off for Tokyo Assembly election
Candidates running for seats in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly have kicked off nine days of official campaigning. The Assembly election is being viewed as a prelude to the Upper House election that will be held this summer. A total of 295 candidates are vying for 127 seats in 42 districts. That is the highest number of candidates for an assembly election in over three decades. The Liberal Democratic Party is fielding 42 candidates, TOMIN First is running 37, Komeito 22, the Japanese Communist Party 24 and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan 20. The Japan Innovation Party has six candidates, and Tokyo Seikatsusha Network has three. Those political parties have seats in the Assembly. The Democratic Party for the People is running 18 candidates, Reiwa Shinsengumi is fielding three, Sanseito four, the Conservative Party of Japan one, the Social Democratic Party one and the Path to Rebirth 42. None of them has seats in the Assembly. Seventy-two candidates are either running with other groups or as independents. Observers are eager to see whether the LDP will be able to remain the biggest force in the Assembly, despite the money scandal that some of the party's Assembly members were involved in. The members failed to declare some of the revenue from fundraising events. Observers are also waiting to see whether the parties supporting Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko, such as the LDP, TOMIN First and Komeito, will maintain a combined majority in the Assembly, or whether the opposition forces will push them into the minority. The Assembly election will be held on June 22. Campaigning is expected to be intense, as the results could affect the next Upper House election.
