Japanese right-wing groups attack BTS with false allegations about Dokdo

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Japanese right-wing groups are again targeting BTS with unfounded allegations, this time involving the disputed territory of Dokdo . Recently, a Japanese social media account posted a video of BTS leader RM from the 2013 SBS broadcast "Rookie King: Channel BTS," where he wore hanbok and sang "Dokdo is Our Land."

The account falsely claimed that RM was dressed in "comfort women" clothes and referred to Dokdo as Takeshima, the Japanese name for the islands. This sparked controversy and backlash.

Professor Seo Kyung-duk took to social media to address the issue, emphasizing that these false claims are part of a broader strategy by Japanese right-wing forces to distort historical facts. He stressed the importance of correcting these misrepresentations both domestically and internationally to prevent further incidents.

This isn't the first time BTS has been targeted. In the past, member Jimin faced backlash for wearing a T-shirt commemorating Korea's Liberation Day, which led to BTS being banned from appearing on Japanese TV. RM also faced criticism for his social media post that read, "A nation that forgets its history has no future. Thank you to the independence fighters. Long live Korean independence."

The persistent targeting of BTS by Japanese right-wing forces highlights the ongoing tension between the two countries over historical and territorial issues.

Meet BTS
Formed in 2010 and debuting in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, BTS consists of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Originally a hip hop group, BTS has expanded their musical style to include various genres. Their lyrics often address mental health, youth challenges, self-love, and the effects of fame.

BTS's impact has been monumental, both in South Korea and globally. Their album "Wings" (2016) was the first to sell a million copies in South Korea. They broke into the U.S. market in 2017, becoming the first Korean group to receive a Gold certification from the RIAA for "Mic Drop" and topping the Billboard 200 with "Love Yourself: Tear" (2018).

In 2020, BTS became the fastest group since The Beatles to chart four U.S. number-one albums in less than two years. Their single "Dynamite" topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200 charts. They are South Korea's best-selling musical act, with over 40 million albums sold, and have achieved numerous milestones, including selling out Wembley Stadium and the Rose Bowl.

Their accolades include multiple American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and five Grammy nominations. They have addressed the UN General Assembly, partnered with UNICEF for the Love Myself campaign, and received the South Korean Order of Cultural Merit.

In June 2022, BTS announced a break to fulfill their mandatory military service, with plans to reunite in 2025.