BTS's ARMY Shares Reactions Over Japanese TV Show's Cancellation Of BTS Appearance Over Jimin's Nuke Bombing Shirt
BTS's fans have voiced their opinion about the recent cancellation of the K-pop band's appearance in a TV show in Japan. In general, members of the BTS ARMY did not mind at all if the members will not appear in Music Station, saying the issue that caused the cancellation is a political one and doesn't have to do with BTS's talent.
Japan's TV Asahi and BTS's label Big Hit Entertainment have confirmed that the septet will no longer appear in Music Station as announced earlier. Big Hit issued a statement apologizing for the latest development but did not say the reason for the canceled live appearance.
TV Asahi, however, stated that they come up with the decision to cancel the appearance of "Fake Love" hitmakers in one their shows due to the T-shirt BTS member Jimin wore in August during the celebration of Korea's liberation from Japan after World War II. The shirt features a photo of a mushroom cloud created by the atomic bombing in Japan, a photo of Koreans celebrating liberation, and the phrase "PATRIOTISM OUR HISTORY LIBERATION KOREA."
Photos of Jimin wearing the shirt made it online and it sparked controversy as the shirt allegedly celebrates the U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima. TV Asahi said it tried to ask Big Hit for an answer as to why Jimin wore the T-shirt but it did not say what transpired with the talk.
"The T-shirt design worn by a [BTS] member caused a controversy. We asked about the intention behind wearing that piece of clothing and discussed with the agency, but although unfortunate, after an overall consideration of the situation, we have decided that this appearance will be postponed. We deeply apologize to the viewers who were looking forward to their appearance," Music Station said in a statement issued on November 8 (via Soompi).
Universal Music Japan also confirmed the cancellation of BTS's TV appearance. The music company apologized to the fans who have been waiting for the BTS performance in the show. Universal Music Japan also stressed that they will continue to support the band's future activities. The company releases the songs of BTS in Japan.
Meanwhile, some netizens pointed out that Jimin's controversial T-shirt could not be the only reason for the cancellation. The political tension between Japan and South Korea could also contribute to the decision of the TV network. Some think that Jimin's shirt is only used an excuse not to showcase the Korean artists because of the deteriorating relationship between the two countries.
Last month, Japan reacted furiously when South Korea's Supreme Court ordered a Japanese steel company to compensate four Koreans for wartime forced labor during Japan's colonial rule in the Korean peninsula.
The organization Justice for the Comfort Women also revealed last month that BTS fan club, called Run ARMY, donated 8.6 million KRW (about $7,600) for the comfort women victims during the Imperial Japan rule.
BTS recently released their latest Japanese collection, titled Fake Love/Airplane Pt. 2, along with the music video for the Japanese version of "Airplane Pt. 2." Jin, Suga, RM, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are also set to kick off their soldout Japan leg concerts at the Tokyo Dome on November 13.