Busan Apartment Resident Apologizes for "Rising Sun Flag" on Memorial Day... "Foolish Behavior"

Controversy Over Rising Sun Flag Hung on Apartment Window on Memorial Day
"To Publicize the Incident... Wrong Behavior Regardless of Reason"

A resident of an apartment in Busan, who caused controversy by displaying the Rising Sun Flag on Memorial Day, ultimately apologized, calling it a "foolish act."

On the 7th, the resident issued an apology stating, "I apologize to those who were hurt by my foolish behavior."

On Memorial Day, June 6th, the resident hung two Rising Sun Flags and a banner with the phrase "Civil-Government Joint Fraud" on the window and exterior wall of their apartment in Namcheon-dong, Suyeong-gu, but removed them that same night. Once this was reported in the media and online, a wave of criticism followed.

He said, "Regardless of why I acted that way, it was a wrong action, and I deeply reflect on it and promise not to repeat it. I especially offer my sincere apologies to the veterans' families and apartment residents who were deeply shocked by the display of the Rising Sun Flag on Memorial Day."

Rising Sun Flag hung on an apartment in Namcheon-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan on Memorial Day
[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also explained, "If I were to make a weak excuse, it was not my intention to use the Rising Sun Flag for pro-Japanese purposes." The resident had previously stated that the controversial action was taken to publicize ongoing conflicts with Suyeong-gu, Busan, dating back to 2007.

He said, "I will expose construction corruption in Suyeong-gu," and formed a group called 'Beopgyu-X' and even created an e-book on the subject.

The resident added, "Before displaying the Rising Sun Flag, I wrote in the preface of the book, 'Swindlers and corrupt officials are waving the Taegeukgi while committing fraud, so we must reveal their true nature even if it means waving the Rising Sun Flag.' However, displaying the Rising Sun Flag on Memorial Day to attract attention was a foolish decision, and I apologize once again."

He also said, "I contacted the secretary-general of the Kwangbokhoe to apologize, and I am grateful for their forgiveness," adding, "I intend to meet as many people as possible to apologize."