TWICE leader Jihyo has unexpectedly become the center of a heated online debate after fans noticed the message on one of her accessories. In her latest Instagram post, Jihyo shared a close-up photo of herself wearing a halter-neck top, jeans, and a black baseball cap. At first glance, the hat looked like a simple fashion item. However, some of the lettering on the cap had been covered with emojis, making fans curious about the original design.
It did not take long for fans to find the actual product. The cap reportedly carried the phrase “United Against Fascism.” The item came from Radical Media Archive, a project that creates merchandise inspired by rare printed materials connected to protest, imagination, and collective belief. After Jihyo’s post gained attention, the specific hat she wore was reportedly sold out on the project’s website.
Because K-pop idols usually avoid anything that could be interpreted as political, Jihyo’s accessory immediately sparked divided reactions. Many fans praised her for wearing a cap with such a clear message. They saw the phrase “United Against Fascism” as meaningful and applauded her for being willing to show support for the statement, even indirectly.
However, the post also received criticism. Some people pointed out that Jihyo had censored part of the word “Fascism” with emojis in the original photo. The fact that the picture was later deleted only added more attention to the controversy.
While some criticized her for hiding the message and then removing the post, others defended her. Fans argued that Jihyo likely had to be careful because K-pop idols often face intense scrutiny, especially in South Korea, where even small gestures can be turned into major public debates.
Sources: Koreaboo
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