Refusal of Receipt Due to Similarity to the Rising Sun Flag
Decided to Collect All Items Considering Potential Misunderstanding
The Jeonnam Jangheung Union of Village and Neighborhood Chiefs faced a commotion when commemorative badges distributed ahead of a unity event were criticized for resembling the Rising Sun Flag, leading to a full recall. On the 3rd, the Jangheung County Branch of the National Union of Village and Neighborhood Chiefs commissioned the production of 300 badges to distribute to 281 local chiefs in preparation for the 'Family Unity Festival' held that day. However, the badge design became an issue just as they were about to be handed out to the local chiefs.
The badge was designed based on the national union's logo, depicting a red sun rising over the sea, but some chiefs raised concerns, saying it resembled the Rising Sun Flag and refused to accept it. A representative of the Jangheung County Branch of the Union said, "The executive committee also judged that there could be misunderstandings, so we decided to collect all the badges," adding, "There was no political intent; the badges were made to give members a sense of belonging at a gathering for harmony, so it is regrettable that this happened."
Meanwhile, the Rising Sun Flag was officially adopted by the Japanese government in May 1870 as the official flag of the Japanese Army. It features a red circle symbolizing the sun, called 'Hinomaru,' centered within a rectangle measuring 134.2 cm wide and 152.5 cm tall, with 16 rays radiating outward. In 1899, the Japanese Navy also adopted the Rising Sun Flag as its naval ensign, which differs from the army flag in that the Hinomaru is slightly shifted to the left. Later, in 1954, the Japanese government established the Self-Defense Forces and adopted the former Japanese Navy's naval ensign as the Self-Defense Forces' flag through the enforcement ordinance of the Self-Defense Forces Act. According to the Self-Defense Forces Act, Self-Defense Force vessels must fly the Self-Defense Forces flag alongside the national flag. This is why the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships fly the Rising Sun Flag. However, in South Korea, the Rising Sun Flag is regarded as a 'war criminal flag' and a symbol of 'Japanese imperialist aggression.' Therefore, South Korea demands restraint in its use not only domestically but also from Japan, which maintains that it is a national symbol.
Meanwhile, domestically, there have been multiple controversies over sightings of a Mercedes-Benz SUV driving on roads displaying the Rising Sun Flag. Despite widespread criticism from numerous netizens, eyewitness reports continue to emerge that the vehicle owner still displays the Rising Sun Flag while driving around various roads. Additionally, a resident of an apartment in Busan faced public backlash for displaying the Rising Sun Flag on Memorial Day.
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