BTS‘s upcoming album ARIRANG has already faced some heat over the involvement of multiple problematic producers.
One of the producers, Diplo, has received special attention given the multiple accusations of sexual abuse crimes against him and his close association with Zionism.
The fury against Diplo’s massive involvement in the album has increased after a picture of him with a problematic flag resurfaced on X (formerly Twitter).
The picture, originally posted by Diplo on Instagram in 2024, showed him holding a “Rising Sun” flag, presumably while on a trip to Japan. In the caption, he wrote, “One day I’m gonna die, but not today. Today I’m gonna climb Mount Fuji.”
The Rising Sun flag is widely considered a deeply insulting and painful symbol in Korea and other parts of Asia, as it was the emblem of the Imperial Japanese military. It is often equated with the Nazi symbol based on the gravity of the similar historical implications.
This picture has sparked a huge backlash, even from many ARMYs who felt that including such a person on an album that is supposed to celebrate BTS’s Korean roots was insensitive. Many also felt betrayed by BIGHIT MUSIC‘s changed approach to such problematic associations, given that in the past, BTS had removed their Japanese single, “Bird,” from their album because the producer had done something very similar.
South Korea allowed Hybe’s boy group to perform music produced by a Zionist coloniser (Ryan Tedder) & Diplo… who on top of allegedly committing sexual assault also posted publicly him raising the Rising Sun Flag proudly??
in an album called ARIRANG?
in Gwanghwamun?
🤡 https://t.co/GL7i8BhNGj
— soy (break) (@soyamoyas) March 5, 2026
i hate to keep bringing up the bird situation but genuinely HOW did we get them to cancel that collab within a few days (?) but is a man like THIS managing to weasel his way onto one of the most meaningful albums of bangtan’s entire career? truly beyond me :/ https://t.co/JT2TQhdMD4
— dan and phil intern⁷ (@boyz_with_phun) March 5, 2026
I seriously can’t fathom the lack of bg check from hybe’s side for thia guy! Like I thought they atleast care about their own country but looks like when you’re greedy you’re blind. https://t.co/UdM2oEZaGo
— 🌈💜Shey⁷⊙⊝⊜ (@wrapmonline) March 5, 2026
. @diplo asking for kindness while sharing himself holding the rising sun flag is shocking. im appalled he would be included on an album holding such cultural impact as #BTS_ARIRANG #BTSComeback2026 https://t.co/It2YbVtujd
— princess rachel (@pr1nc3ssrach3l) March 5, 2026
