Wore It During J-Hope's Concert Rehearsal
"I Take My Shortcomings Seriously"
Jungkook of the group BTS has issued an official apology for wearing a hat with an inappropriate phrase during member J-Hope's solo concert rehearsal.
In the early morning of June 14, Jungkook posted on the fan community platform Weverse, stating, "I sincerely apologize for disappointing and causing discomfort to many people due to the phrase written on the hat I wore during today's rehearsal."
He continued, "I deeply acknowledge that I caused disappointment and hurt due to my lack of awareness in wearing the hat without fully checking the historical and political significance of the phrase. I am simply sorry. There is no excuse for any reason. I was lacking and careless," he said, bowing his head.
Jungkook also added, "From now on, I will think and act more carefully about each and every thing. I will humbly accept all criticism and feedback regarding my mistake. The hat has been immediately discarded. Once again, I sincerely apologize."
Previously, on June 13, Jungkook participated in the rehearsal for J-Hope's world tour encore concert, "J-Hope Tour: Hope on the Street Final," held at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. This was Jungkook's first stage appearance after completing his military service on June 11.
However, controversy arose after it was belatedly revealed that the black hat he wore during the rehearsal had the phrase "MAKE TOKYO GREAT AGAIN" written on it.
On June 11, with Jimin and Jungkook completing their active duty service in the Army, all BTS members have now returned to civilian life. On the day of their discharge, Jungkook and Jimin's discharge celebration live broadcast recorded 157 million hearts in 1 hour and 10 minutes, demonstrating their unwavering popularity.
The New York Times reported, "The long wait for fans is over," and added, "The excitement over BTS's discharge is similar to when Elvis Presley returned home after completing his military service in Germany in 1960."
Industry insiders expect that BTS's full-group activities could resume as early as the second half of this year or, at the latest, in the first half of next year. Currently, J-Hope still has domestic concert schedules remaining, and Jin is scheduled to continue with global fan concerts starting next month, making an immediate comeback unlikely.
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