Diplo’s Rediscovered Photo Sparks Fresh Criticism Over His Prominent Role on BTS Album
BTS is facing heavy backlash over producer Diplo’s involvement in their upcoming album ARIRANG.
The controversy began when an old 2024 Instagram photo of Diplo resurfaced, showing him proudly holding a “Rising Sun” flag during a trip to Japan. The caption read, “One day I’m gonna die, but not today. Today I’m gonna climb Mount Fuji.”
The Rising Sun flag is a highly offensive symbol in South Korea and much of Asia, linked to Imperial Japan’s military history and often compared to the Nazi swastika.
Fans and ARMYs are furious, calling out BTS and BIGHIT MUSIC for including Diplo despite his controversial past, including multiple sexual abuse allegations and ties to Zionism. Many pointed out HYBE’s previous quick decision to pull BTS’s Japanese single “Bird” after a similar producer controversy, questioning why Diplo was allowed on such a culturally important album.
As the situation heats up, fans demand answers and accountability from the agency.
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?
— 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 :/
— 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.
— 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
— princess rachel (@pr1nc3ssrach3l) March 5, 2026