BTS leader RM’s military badge sparks Swastika controversy: ARMY clears misunderstanding, defends symbol’s sacred roots
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Misunderstanding the Symbol's Meaning
The symbol in question, while visually similar to the Nazi swastika, has entirely different origins and meanings. The Nazi version, tilted and associated with the atrocities of the Holocaust, has become a symbol of hate. However, the symbol on RM's badge is a straight-standing swastika, which holds sacred and positive connotations in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Fans were quick to clarify that RM's badge represents a Buddhist emblem tied to his role in overseeing religious duties during his military service. A fan explained, “The badge RM wore is designated for military officers with religious duties, such as chaplains. It’s a Buddhist symbol, not the Nazi swastika.”
A Cultural and Historical Perspective
The swastika, derived from the Sanskrit words su (good) and asti (to prevail), has been a symbol of prosperity, harmony, and spirituality for thousands of years. In Buddhism, it represents the footprints of Buddha and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The symbol appears in religious texts, temples, and art, symbolizing virtues like eternal balance and enlightenment.
In Korean culture, the symbol (卍) is often associated with universal harmony and good fortune. One fan commented, “It’s crazy the amount of people who don’t understand that the symbol
