Japanese news outlet backs fans displaying rising sun flags against Korea

• Published date: 09 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

A Japanese news outlet on Wednesday backed fans using rising sun flags to cheer and support the Japanese team during the World Baseball Classic, fueling tension between Japan and Korea over the controversial flag, which symbolizes Japan's colonial rule over Korea during World War II.

A news report by Tokyo Sports Press said the tournament organizer does not apply any regulations against the flag and using it does not violate any rule during the event.

The report came after popular Korean heritage promoter and activist Seo Kyoung-duk said on Facebook that he will monitor matches throughout the tournament to find any use of the flag by Japanese fans and report the activity to the event organizer as well as to news reporters across the world.

The Japanese news report said that the prohibition of the flag during the tournament is misinformation asserted by Korea. It said the WBC match between Japan and Korea scheduled for Friday is causing concerns about the use of the flag.

Seo, a professor at Sungshin Women's University known for his promotion of Korean culture abroad, caught up with the report and expressed on Facebook, Thursday, his determination to draw global attention to the issue and bring "shame" on those using the controversial flag to cheer and support their country.

"This will be a good chance to raise awareness among the international community about the flag that, just like the swastika, is a symbol of war crimes," Seo said. "Even the country's major sports news outlet has tried to prove that using the flag is legitimate. It's no more than an action that denies...