Professor Seokyeongdeok Protests 'Apple' for Using Rising Sun Flag Pattern in Advertisement

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Professor Seokyung Deok from Sungshin Women's University raised an issue regarding Apple's advertisement video that used a prop reminiscent of the Rising Sun Flag pattern.

Professor Seokyung Deok revealed on the 6th that he sent a protest email to Apple demanding "an apology to Asians."

In the advertisement video introduced to promote the durability of the iPhone 12, Apple showed a scene using a prop reminiscent of the Rising Sun Flag. A man is cooking, and the pot placed in front of him features a design with the Rising Sun Flag pattern.

Currently, the advertisement broadcasted in Korea has this part blurred, and the official iPhone account does not have this video available.

Professor Seokyung Deok pointed out, "If a company is truly global, it should understand the national sentiments of the countries where it does business as a basic principle of business," adding, "Apple should sincerely apologize to Asians who were hurt by this incident and take care to prevent recurrence."

The protest email also included an English video explaining the historical fact that the Rising Sun Flag is a 'war crime flag' with the same meaning as the German swastika (Hakenkreuz).