Russian Embassy to Take Down Controversial Banner?... Foreign Ministry Says It Has Conveyed Korea's Position

Russian Embassy to Remove Banner After World War II Victory Commemorations End

A banner reading 'Victory is ours' hangs on the exterior wall of the Russian Embassy building in Jung-gu, Seoul. Yonhap News

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reportedly conveyed its views to the Embassy of Russia in Korea regarding a banner at the embassy that has sparked controversy for evoking the war in Ukraine. In this regard, the Embassy of Russia in Korea stated that the banner is scheduled to be removed after the conclusion of events commemorating victory in World War II.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 23rd, "Russia's invasion of Ukraine is an illegal act, and military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is a clear violation of the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions, as well as a grave threat to our security, and therefore must be halted. We have consistently maintained this position."

The official added, "From this perspective, we have conveyed our position to the Russian side regarding the recent posting of the banner on the exterior wall of the Embassy of Russia in Korea and the public remarks made by the Russian ambassador to Korea."

Recently, a banner reading in Russian, "Victory is ours," was hung on the exterior wall of the embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul. Although the phrase was used during World War II, it has stirred controversy because it can evoke the war in Ukraine. Our government demanded that the embassy remove the banner, but it has not yet been taken down.

In response, the Embassy of Russia in Korea said the same day, "It is a common practice to display various promotional materials, such as banners, within embassy premises," adding, "Our embassy has posted a banner on the building to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War. This banner was also put up in connection with Russia's public holidays in February, Diplomat's Day and Defender of the Fatherland Day."

The embassy stated, "The phrase on the banner is familiar to all Russian citizens," and emphasized, "We believe that putting up such a banner does not hurt anyone's feelings when its historical context is taken into account." It continued, "From a technical standpoint, it is not a structure intended to be installed for a long period of time," and added, "We had planned to remove the banner after the commemorative events ended, in accordance with our schedule."