Korea protests display of imperial flag in stands

• Published date: 10 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

The South Korean national team lodged a complaint with the organizers of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) after a Japanese fan brought his country's imperial-era flag to a game between South Korea and Japan here Friday.

The Rising Sun Flag was seen in the upper deck in the left field at Tokyo Dome prior to the Pool B game between the rival nations.

Koreans regard the flag as a symbol of Japan's past militarism, because it was hoisted during Japan's invasion of Asian countries starting in the late 19th century. They also say the Rising Sun Flag is to Asian nations what the Nazi's swastika is to Europeans.

An official with the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), which governs professional baseball in South Korea, said the KBO lodged a protest after the flag was seen at the dome.

The KBO had...