Korea Takes Down 'General Yi Sun-sin' Banner... Japan Says "Rising Sun Flag Is Not a Prohibited Item"

Rising Sun Flag Appeared in Front of Korean Team's Accommodation Building
Photo by Yonhap News

Demolished 'Spirit of Yi Sun-sin' inscription [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) promising the Korea Sports Council to ban the use of the Rising Sun Flag, the Tokyo Olympics organizers reiterated their stance that it is not a prohibited item.

According to local media on the 18th, the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee stated, "The Rising Sun Flag design is widely used in Japan and does not carry political claims," and "We understand that the Rising Sun Flag is not classified as a prohibited item for entry into the venues." This implies that the flag can be brought into venues outside the Tokyo metropolitan area where spectators are allowed.

The IOC recently promised the Korea Sports Council that the use of the Rising Sun Flag would be considered a violation of Article 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political, religious, or racial propaganda. A banner featuring Admiral Yi Sun-sin's famous quote, 'Sangyu Sibi Sunshin Bulsah' (·I still have twelve ships, and I am not dead yet), was displayed in the Korean athletes' village. When the IOC requested its removal, the Sports Council protested, claiming that the Rising Sun Flag also violated regulations.

The Sports Council announced that, by mutual agreement, the banner featuring Admiral Yi Sun-sin would be taken down.

A Tokyo Organizing Committee official said, "We are not aware of the details of the mutual consultation between the IOC and the Korea Sports Council, but there is no change in the policy regarding the treatment of the Rising Sun Flag," reiterating their previous view that they will not prevent its entry into the venues.

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