"Should Not Be Dismissed as an Individual's Deviation"
"Hope a Law for Punishment Will Be Established Quickly"
Regarding the recent appearance of exhibition items on university campuses featuring images resembling the Rising Sun Flag and hate expressions such as 'Joseonjing,' Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University criticized, "If such incidents continue to occur domestically, it only gives justification to Japan."
On June 5, Professor Seo wrote on his Facebook account, "Around 11 p.m. on June 3, a painting that seemed to combine the Rising Sun Flag, symbolizing Japanese imperialism, and the Taegeukgi was installed inside a building at Hansung University in Seoul."
The Rising Sun Flag that appeared on campus and the controversial exhibition items. Professor Seo Kyungduk Facebook.
He explained that there were also exhibition items inside the building containing hate speech, such as 'Joseonjing' and 'Disgusting Joseonjing do not know shame.' He added, "In particular, there was also a statement saying, 'Joseon is the only country engaged in a moral competition,' and, 'Nevertheless, I shout out. I want to impregnate all the pretty idols, pretty actresses, and pretty women on the street to leave my genes behind.'"
Professor Seo stated, "The school authorities discovered the unauthorized exhibition promptly and took measures to have the student remove it voluntarily."
He noted that incidents related to the Rising Sun Flag have been occurring continuously in Korea recently. Last year, a driver was seen with multiple Rising Sun Flags attached to the exterior of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, and there was controversy when a rider was spotted wearing a T-shirt with the Rising Sun Flag while riding a motorcycle. Professor Seo also mentioned an incident on Memorial Day when a large Rising Sun Flag was hung at an apartment complex in Busan, causing public outrage. He urged, "This should not be dismissed as merely an individual's deviation; I hope a law for punishment will be established quickly."
Hansung University stated on June 4 regarding the exhibition items, "They were installed without the school's approval." The university explained that about 20 minutes after installation, a staff member on duty discovered the items and contacted the student responsible, and about 40 minutes after installation, the items were voluntarily removed. A university official said, "The student affairs office is currently investigating the student involved," adding, "We will conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action according to school regulations."
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