K-pop superstars BTS are one of the biggest names in world entertainment right now,... but they're also at the center of a huge controversy in Japan.
A Japanese TV station has cancelled an appearance by the 7-member boyband over a T-shirt worn by one of the members.
Lee Seung-jae reports.
A major Japanese television station has pulled an appearance by the hugely popular K-pop group BTS,... citing controversy over a T-shirt with an image of an atomic bomb that a member wore last year to celebrate Korea's liberation from Japan after World War 2.
This comes as a Japanese newspaper slammed the group last month for (quote) "anti-Japanese activities",... noting the t-shirt worn by group member Jimin,... and a SNS message posted by the group's leader, RM, in celebration of Korea's Liberation Day on August 15th.
Jimin's t-shirt was emblazoned with English words such as "Patriotism", "Our History", "Liberation" and "Korea" among black and white photos of a rising mushroom cloud created by an atomic bomb,... and of Koreans celebrating the end of Japanese colonial rule of Korea in 1945.
RM's SNS message was posted more than five years ago.
Given the global popularity of the group,... several international media outlets reported on the controversy.
While CNN referred to the T-shirt as showing an image of the bombing of Nagasaki,... Reuters said the T-shirt showed an image of the bombing of Hiroshima.
While many Japanese BTS fans have shown understanding,... the issue has sparked an uproar in Japan,... leading to a rise of anti-Korean movements throughout the nation.
It also comes as ties between the two neighbors have frayed due to a diplomatic row over South Koreans forced to work for Japanese firms during World War Two,... and a recent ruling by South Korea's Supreme Court,... ordering a Japanese steel company to pay almost 90 thousand U.S. dollars to each victim.
With the t-shirt controversy raging,... BTS canceled plans to leave for Japan last Thursday night for the TV appearance,... but the group will go ahead with its Japan tour.
The string of concerts begin in Tokyo from Tuesday.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
