Two Rising Sun Flags Raised at Busan Mixed-Use Apartment Complex
Same Person Displayed Japanese Flag Last Month
On the 6th, Memorial Day, a Rising Sun Flag, a symbol of Japanese militarism, was displayed at a mixed-use apartment complex in Busan, sparking public outrage.
On that day, an online community bulletin board posted an article titled "The war criminal flag displayed at an apartment in Busan today." The author, Mr. A, shared photos with the comment, "Rising Sun Flag on Memorial Day? This is really crossing the line." The photos showed two large Rising Sun Flags hanging in the apartment windows. Netizens who saw the post claimed, "Based on the shape of the building and nearby structures and scenery in the photos, it is definitely the OOO Tower in Busan."
A Rising Sun Flag, a war crime symbol, is displayed at a residential-commercial complex apartment in Busan on the 6th, Memorial Day. [Image source=Social Networking Service (SNS) capture]
This building had already been the center of controversy since mid-last month due to multiple displays of the Japanese national flag. At that time, photos of the Japanese flag hanging in the windows were also posted online, and comparing the two photos suggests that both the Japanese flag and the Rising Sun Flag were hung on the same floor, leading to speculation that the same individual displayed them.
Netizens reacted with comments such as, "A war criminal flag on Memorial Day is such a huge shock," "There’s a traitor living near my home," "They really crossed the line," and "Wanting to stand out that much?are they sane?" The resident who displayed the Japanese and Rising Sun Flags is known to be Korean, not Japanese. The apartment management office told Yonhap News Agency, "Since last month, due to complaints from neighbors, we have inquired with relevant authorities, but there is no effective way to sanction the resident’s actions."
No Punishment Regulations, Can Only Hope for Voluntary Removal
Previously, on March 1st last year, a man living in Hansol-dong, Sejong City, hung a Japanese national flag at his apartment. At that time, the apartment management office was flooded with complaints and inquiries from residents and visited the household twice but ultimately failed to meet the resident. The management office stated, "We do not know if the resident is Korean or Japanese, but the resident registry at the management office lists a Korean name."
Sejong City also began investigating the situation but, lacking legal grounds, could not enforce removal and could only repeatedly request voluntary removal. The homeowner reportedly refused, saying, "This is my private life, so do not interfere," despite demands from residents, local government, and police.
Following this incident, ten city council members, including Kim Young-hyun of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed the "Ordinance to Restrict Public Use of Japanese Imperial Symbols in Sejong City." This ordinance allows the mayor of Sejong City to request public institutions and organizations using Japanese imperial symbols to correct their actions and, if they do not comply, to restrict or demand removal of such symbols.
Additionally, since last month, a Mercedes-Benz driver has been traveling nationwide with Rising Sun Flags attached to their vehicle, leading to reports of "Rising Sun Flag vehicles" across the country. The white vehicle has two Rising Sun Flags attached to its rear window. Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women’s University, who is active in protecting Korean culture, stated, "Instead of only condemning and expressing anger, strong punitive laws must be enacted."
The Rising Sun Flag was used as a military flag by Japan during World War II and symbolizes Japanese militarism. It was especially used by the army and navy during invasions of various Asian countries, including the Pacific War. After Japan’s defeat in 1945, the use of the Rising Sun Flag was temporarily suspended, but less than ten years later, in 1954, the Ground Self-Defense Force (Self-Defense Force flag) and Maritime Self-Defense Force (Self-Defense Ship flag) resumed using the Rising Sun Flag as their military flag.
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