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.<br />A Japanese TV station has cancelled an appearance by the 7-member boyband over a T-shirt worn by one of the members.<br />Lee Seung-jae reports. <br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />RM's SNS message was posted more than five years ago.<br />Given the global popularity of the group,... several international media outlets reported on the controversy.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />The string of concerts begin in Tokyo from Tuesday.<br />Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News. <br />
