A Large Number of Taegukgi Flags Discarded on a Cheongju Roadside in Chungbuk
Seo Kyungduk: "Let This Incident Be an Opportunity to Understand the National Flag Act"
Amid controversy over a large pile of Taegukgi flags discarded in trash bags on Memorial Day, Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University has called for compliance with the National Flag Act.
On June 7, Professor Seo urged on his social networking service (SNS), "The Taegukgi must be managed in accordance with the National Flag Act."
Previously, on June 6, a pile of trash bags containing a large number of Taegukgi flags was found on a roadside in Cheongju, Chungbuk. This discovery was made by a local resident, identified as Mr. A, who reported it to the local government complaint center and the police.
He stated, "It is regrettable that such an incident occurred on Memorial Day," and added, "Discarding damaged Taegukgi flags constitutes a violation of the National Flag Act, and if intent is proven, it can be punished as a crime of flag desecration under the Criminal Act."
He continued, "If the Taegukgi is damaged, it should not be left unattended or used for other purposes, but should be properly disposed of, such as by incineration." He further explained, "Since incineration at home can pose fire and safety risks, it is advisable to place the damaged flags in the Taegukgi collection boxes provided at nearby administrative welfare centers."
A pile of discarded Taegukgi flags found in Cheongju, Chungbuk on Memorial Day [Image source=Captured from Professor Seo Kyungduk's SNS]
The National Flag Act of the Republic of Korea was enacted and has been in effect since July 27, 2007, by Presidential Decree, with the purpose of "stipulating basic matters concerning the production, hoisting, and management of the national flag symbolizing the Republic of Korea, thereby enhancing awareness of the national flag and safeguarding its dignity to inspire patriotism."
Although it is generally believed that dirty Taegukgi flags should not be washed, Article 22 of the Enforcement Decree of the National Flag Act stipulates that "if the flag is stained or wrinkled, it may be washed or ironed for hoisting or storage, provided that such actions do not damage the flag."
In addition, Article 10, Paragraph 3 of the National Flag Act clearly states, "If the national flag is damaged, it must be disposed of without delay by incineration or other appropriate means."
Furthermore, Article 11 of the Act on the Use and Restriction of the National Flag or Its Emblem stipulates that "if the flag is damaged by actions such as making holes or cutting, or if the Taegukgi is used in a manner that causes disgust among the public, the national flag or its emblem must not be used."
Professor Seo added, "Rather than simply criticizing and expressing anger over this incident, we should use it as an opportunity to properly understand the National Flag Act."
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