Unexpected 'Nazi Salute' in College of Humanities Student Council Election... Explanation Fuels More Controversy

"Meaning of the 'Unsetting Sun'" Candidate's Explanation
Criticism Arises That It Evokes 'Japanese Militarism'

Photo from a card news during a student council election at a domestic college of humanities / Photo by Internet Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A candidate for the student council at a domestic university has been accused of making a gesture reminiscent of the "Nazi salute." The candidate's side explained that the gesture symbolized "the sun," but the controversy continues to spread.

On the 8th, a post titled "Student Council with a Peculiar Salute" was uploaded on an online community. Netizen A, who wrote the post, shared a photo from a card news released by the university along with the claim that "there is a student council performing the Nazi salute."

In the photo, two students are seen looking in a specific direction with their right arms raised upward. According to A, this photo is part of a card news created by the College of Humanities student council candidates to encourage students to participate in the election.

Netizens pointed out that the posture they took is similar to the Nazi salute. The Nazi salute was a greeting method frequently used in Nazi Germany in the 1930s, involving raising the right arm high while shouting slogans such as "Heil Hitler" and "Sieg Heil." This salute is currently legally banned in several European countries that experienced World War II.

During the Nazi Party rally held in Nuremberg, Germany in 1928, Adolf Hitler, the party leader (top left), is giving the Nazi salute. / Photo by Wikipedia capture

As the controversy over the Nazi salute at the university grew, the candidate who took the photo explained through social media (SNS), "This photo was included in the card news," and clarified, "The (controversial) gesture symbolized the 'immortal' title of ours, meaning the sun that does not set."

However, they added, "The photo was immediately corrected as soon as the issue was raised," and bowed, saying, "We will strive to become an immortal prospective candidate who shows a more careful and diligent attitude through this opportunity."

Despite this explanation, criticism continues from some quarters. Netizens pointed out that the "sun that does not set" is also a symbol of militarism, similar to the Nazis. There were claims that it resembles the "Rising Sun Flag" of the Japanese Empire, an ally of Germany during World War II.

The Rising Sun Flag depicts the sun rising with rays spreading outward and was mainly used by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the past.

Netizens expressed disappointment with comments such as, "The explanation is unsatisfactory," and "Did no one raise objections during the decision-making process for the gesture?" One netizen lamented, "It's unfortunate that such a controversy arose in the College of Humanities, of all places," and added, "I don't know the true meaning of the gesture, but a more mature attitude seems necessary."