On National Humiliation Day... Rising Sun Flag and Japanese Military Hats Still Openly Sold

Rising Sun Flag Designs and Japanese Military Hats Still Sold Online
Controversy Over Historical Awareness in Domestic Shopping Malls

On National Humiliation Day, concerns have been raised that products featuring the Rising Sun Flag and other "Japanese colonial relics" are still being sold on domestic online shopping malls.

The appearance of Japanese colonial relic products sold in domestic online shopping malls. Photo by Seokyung Deok

On the 29th, in recognition of National Humiliation Day, Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University pointed out, "Japanese colonial relic products are still being sold on major domestic online shopping malls."

National Humiliation Day refers to the "humiliating event that occurred in the year of Gyeongsul," marking the disgraceful history when Korea completely lost its sovereignty to Japan. Professor Seo stated, "Various Japanese colonial relic products, such as boards featuring the Rising Sun Flag pattern and Japanese military hats from World War II, are being sold on domestic online shopping malls, which has become a source of controversy."

He emphasized, "Even if these platforms provide functions for overseas direct purchases, openly selling such products without proper verification procedures is clearly wrong." He added, "Such circumstances could provide an excuse for Japan's use of the Rising Sun Flag, so we must take the initiative to be cautious ourselves."

In fact, in the past, a domestic company faced strong criticism for using the Rising Sun Flag pattern in its online mall advertisements. Professor Seo said, "It is natural for companies to strive to make profits, but it is also important to have a basic understanding of history and public sentiment," and requested "swift action from major domestic online shopping malls."

Meanwhile, on August 28, to mark the 115th anniversary of National Humiliation Day, Professor Seo Kyungduk released a campaign video titled "Rewriting Korea Survived" in collaboration with singer-songwriter Lee Sangsoon.