Justin Bieber recently sparked controversy by wearing a padded jacket with the Rising Sun flag pattern. Photo by Seokyungdeok, Professor at Sungshin Women's University, Facebook capture.
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Professor Seokyungdeok from Sungshin Women's University reportedly sent a protest email to pop star Justin Bieber, who wore a padding jacket with the Rising Sun Flag pattern while singing, saying, "Since the Rising Sun Flag is a war crime flag, please refrain from such actions in the future."
On the 29th, Professor Seokyungdeok posted on his Facebook, stating, "As part of the 'Global Campaign to Eradicate the Rising Sun Flag,' I sent a protest email to the world-famous pop star Justin Bieber, explaining that the Rising Sun Flag is a war crime flag."
Earlier, on the 9th, Justin Bieber appeared on Japan TV's Asahi music program 'Music Station' wearing a padding jacket reminiscent of the Rising Sun Flag pattern while performing his new song 'Anyone,' which sparked controversy.
The padding he wore at the time was designed with an image featuring a red semicircle at the center, with orange, pink, and other red-toned curves extending outward.
In response, a Japanese far-right media outlet reported, "Only Koreans claim that the Rising Sun Flag symbolizes imperialist aggression."
In 2014, Justin Bieber caused controversy by visiting Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined. Photo by Seokyungdeok, Professor at Sungshin Women's University, Facebook capture.
Regarding this, Professor Seokyungdeok sent a protest email to Justin Bieber's social media accounts and his agency, pointing out, "Many in the West are unaware that the Rising Sun Flag is a 'war crime flag' with the same meaning as Germany's swastika, but I hope this incident will serve as an opportunity to understand the exact historical significance of the Rising Sun Flag and to never engage in such actions again."
He added, "If a global celebrity uses the Rising Sun Flag pattern and visits the Yasukuni Shrine, it is obvious that Japan will use this as an excuse to claim 'legitimacy,' so it was absolutely necessary to correct this," explaining the reason for sending the protest email.
Meanwhile, Justin Bieber also stirred controversy in 2014 when he posted a photo visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 Class A war criminals from the Pacific War. Facing criticism, he eventually apologized.
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