BTS, currently one of the biggest bands in the world, has had their performance on a Japanese television show cancelled after one of its members wore a shirt allegedly depicting an atomic bomb.
The South Korean band, which has 16 million followers on Twitter, had been scheduled to appear on TV Asahi’s music programme on Friday.
The TV channel said it had decided to cancel their appearance after discussing band member Jimin’s choice of clothing with their manager.
Images of Jimin wearing the shirt depicting the bombing of Nagasaki went viral online however according to reports, the image was taken in 2013.
The shirt reads: “Patriotism our history liberation Korea” and has an image of a mushroom cloud over Nagasaki, according to CNN.
Korea was colonised by Japan during 1910 to 1945. Many Koreans suffered during the occupation with Japan committing atrocities on citizens from mass killings to human experimentation.
Japan has apologised however the subject is still a tense issue.
An estimated 200,000 people died after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Many fans took to social media to share their disappointment at the images.
In a statement BTS made no reference of the shirt but said: “We apologise for disappointing fans who were looking forward to this. BTS will continue their efforts to connect with fans on stage and also through music.”
BTS have grown in popularity worldwide.
In October they played two sell-out nights at the 02 Arena in London.
