DC Inside Post... Currently Deleted
Possibility of Applying Charges for National Flag Desecration
On the 8th, a day before Hangeul Day, a report was received that a post containing photos of the Taegeukgi being burned was uploaded to an online community, prompting the police to track down the author.
An internet community post with a photo of a burning Taegeukgi flag[Image source=DC Inside capture, Yonhap News]
On the 9th, the Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul announced that they have begun a pre-investigation into Mr. A, who posted a damaged Taegeukgi on the online community 'DC Inside'.
Mr. A is suspected of uploading several photos at 6:25 a.m. on the 8th, the day before Hangeul Day, to the community's Imperialism and Colonialism gallery, showing the Taegeukgi hanging by the roadside being pulled down and set on fire. The photos he posted included images of the Taegeukgi being pulled down from a streetlight to the ground and discarded, as well as the process of the flag burning until it turned to ashes.
Mr. A wrote, "I went and burned the sengeukgi (a derogatory term for Taegeukgi) hanging by the roadside," adding, "I get so angry every time I see the Taegeukgi that I can't stand it." He also said, "I burned several Taegeukgi hanging on streetlights," and "Next time, I will burn more."
The police are tracking the author through the internet address (IP) after receiving a citizen's report about the post damaging the Taegeukgi. The post has since been deleted.
The police are reviewing whether to apply the charge of desecration of the national flag to Mr. A. According to Article 105 of the Criminal Act, anyone who damages or removes the national flag or emblem with the intent to insult the Republic of Korea shall be punished by imprisonment or detention for up to 5 years, suspension of qualifications for up to 10 years, or a fine of up to 7 million won.
Meanwhile, Hangeul Day is one of the five major national holidays (March 1st Movement Day, Constitution Day, Liberation Day, National Foundation Day, and Hangeul Day), and on this day, the national flag is displayed in accordance with Article 8 of the National Flag Act of the Republic of Korea.
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