On January 1, 2025, a picture of Kim Namjoon (RM), the leader of the K-pop group BTS, with a fan became an unexpected source of controversy. His military uniform had an insignia that was strikingly similar to the Nazi swastika, which caused the picture to become viral as soon as it was posted online. The picture on social media sites, such as X (formerly Twitter), immediately attracted several online users who criticized Namjoon for wearing a Nazi emblem associated with the barbarity of the Holocaust. Online fans and netizens squabbled among themselves, with some critics condemning the symbol so hastily without knowing what it originally stood for.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:
New Year with Namjoon 🥺🎉 pic.twitter.com/BRRfzPWYGj
— POP NOW (@popnows) January 1, 2025
However, most failed to realize the historical and cultural setting of the symbol. In fact, the swastika is an old symbol rooted in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. There, it symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual well-being. Indeed, this symbol has a long history before it was adapted into Nazi Germany. The emblem on Namjoon is said to be a Buddhist military badge, indicating officers who took part in overseeing religious ceremonies and services in the course of their service. There was no link to hate or genocide.
Despite the backlash, a wave of support emerged quickly from fans who defended Namjoon. They called for cultural sensitivity and asked others to rethink their impulsive judgments. Many fans vented their anger over the hasty judgment without knowing the history of the symbol, saying that it has positive meanings in many civilizations. “Stop spreading lies on such a sensitive topic,” said one netizen, while other users shared similar sentiments, asking people to learn more about different cultures.
군종병은 종교별로 필요한 예배, 미사, 법회 등 종교행사나 종교시설 관리, 종파별 행정 등의 업무를 수행하고 군종부사관이 없는 부대의 경우 군종참모부의 행정, 재정 업무 등을 담당할 수도 있다. pic.twitter.com/xCjJtfnEms
— 내다정한파도 (@borabtsbora) September 17, 2024
This debate brought out the urgency of greater cultural literacy and also the importance of considering historical and cultural factors before jumping to conclusions. Supporters and admirers noted that expecting the worst without doing any research can result in false information. As events progressed, many advised people to take a moment to consider the wider meanings of cultural symbols before passing judgement, especially in light of the current atmosphere of increased sensitivity and global interconnection.
