BTS's Jimin & Big Hit Entertainment Address Controversies Over Wardrobe & Props Choices
Both BTS's label Big Hit Entertainment and band member Jimin have addressed the issues raised against the Korean idol group. Big Hit issued an official statement apologizing for causing pain, distress, and discomfort due to the recent controversies. Jimin, on the other hand, directly talked to the fans who attended the BTS dome concert in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday.
Apart from their series of global achievements, BTS has been in the headlines lately because of the controversies over their wardrobe and photo shoot props. The appearance of the septet in a Japanese TV show was canceled last week over the shirt that Jimin wore during the celebration of Korea's liberation from Imperial Japan back in August.
It was followed by a statement made by Jewish human rights group, Simon Wiesenthal Center, pointing out that in the 2015 photoshoot of BTS, group leader RM wore a hat with a symbol of the Nazi Party. Moreover, the LA-based group also question the band's performance during Seo Taiji's 2017 anniversary concert in which flags with swastika-like symbols were wielded.
Although BTS member Jimin did not directly answer the issue of him wearing a shirt that depicted the United States' atomic bombing of Japan, the singer said he is sad that many of their fans were affected by the recent controversies. He also recalled BTS's first showcase in Japan. At the end of his talk, Jimin expressed his gratitude to the ARMY and wish to see them again.
"A lot of ARMYs and people around the world must have been surprised and worried because of recent events. My heart hurts," Jimin said.
Big Hit explained that Jimin wearing an outfit with an image of the atomic bombing is not intentional. It also stated that they do not condone any activities of war or the use of atomic weapons. The label apologized for causing pain to anyone affected by the atomic bombings in the past.
The designer of the t-shirt that Jimin wore also earlier explained that the apparel has no intention to mock Japan but simply to portray a historical event. He also commented on the cancellation of BTS's performance at the Music Station show and expressed his apologies to the "Fake Love" singers.
As for RM's hat, Big Hit Entertainment stressed that BTS and the company do not support Nazism or any radical political groups that are oriented towards political extremism and totalitarian beliefs. Though the costumes and accessories used in BTS photoshoot were provided by the publication that conducting the shoot, Big Hit issued an apology for inadvertently causing pain and distress to all who were affected by totalitarian regimes in the past and admitted their failure to strictly assess the clothing and accessories that BTS members made to wear.
Overall, Big Hit Entertainment "bears all responsibilities," saying the "IDOL" hitmakers are not responsible for any of the issues thrown on them. The company apologized for failing to take precautions that could have prevented their artists from wearing the controversial apparel and accessories. The label also outlined in their statement the actions they have taken to address the issues and the measures that they intend to follow to avoid the same issues from happening again in the future.
