Latest news with #anti-Korean
Mint
a day 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
Korea Herald
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'White Mulberry' tells fictionalized story of author's grandmother
Rosa Kwon Easton debuts at 60 with coming-of-age historical novel The historical novel 'White Mulberry' by Rosa Kwon Easton is a fictionalized story of the author's grandmother, following a young Korean woman growing up in 1930s Japan, torn between two worlds and identities. Set in Japan-occupied Korea, the novel introduces 11-year-old Miyoung, a girl whose dream of becoming a teacher clashes with the harsh realities of her life. She yearns to leave her tiny farming village near Pyongyang, seeking a future free from an arranged marriage. Miyoung takes the opportunity to live with her older sister in Japan. But in Kyoto, anti-Korean sentiment is rising every day, and she quickly realizes she must pass as a Japanese to survive. Her Japanese name Miyoko helps her find a new calling as a nurse, yet she struggles with the loss of her true self. Seeking solace in a Korean church group, Miyoung discovers not only a sense of community but also a romance with an independence activist that reignites her sense of purpose and gives her a cherished son. As war looms on a new front, Miyoung has to decide whether to comply or to reclaim life on her own terms. Easton was born in Seoul and grew up with her extended family in Los Angeles. A former lawyer, she became a debut author with "White Mulberry" at the age of 60.
