"South Korea is a Country Prioritizing 'Anti-Japan Spirit'... Harsh Criticism from Japanese Netizens"

On the afternoon of the 18th, a new "Beom Naeryeonda" cheering banner was hung at the Korean athletes' accommodation building in the Olympic Village in the Harumi area of Tokyo.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, conflicts between South Korea and Japan seem to be escalating over issues such as the labeling of Dokdo and the athletes' meal boxes. This time, there have been objections regarding the banner displayed in the Korean athletes' village.

On the 19th, the Japanese Hallyu-specialized media outlet 'Wow Korea' reported that Japanese netizens are reacting with "ridicule" toward the new banner put up by the Korea Sports Council.

According to the report, the phrase "The tiger is coming down the mountain" on the new banner drew criticism as it was seen as reflecting Korea's belief that "Japan drove the Joseon tiger to extinction." Some claimed, "The new banner also shows the labeling of Dokdo," arguing that "they are trying to assert ownership of Takeshima by exploiting the confusion caused by the banner."

Furthermore, another netizen harshly criticized, saying, "Korea is a country where anti-Japanese sentiment is prioritized over compliance with international rules and agreements."

Earlier, on the 14th, the Korea Sports Council hung an 'Admiral Yi Sun-sin banner' at the Korean athletes' accommodation in the Harumi area of Tokyo. Inspired by a memorial written by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin War, the banner included the phrase, "I still have the support and cheers of 50 million people."

However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) demanded its removal, stating, "The phrase quoted on the banner may evoke the image of a general participating in battle, thus violating Article 50 of the Olympic Charter." The banner was subsequently taken down on the 17th.

There is analysis that the IOC's decision was influenced by pressure from the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee. Just before the IOC's removal request, Japanese media criticized the banner's content, saying, "Yi Sun-sin is deified as an anti-Japanese hero in Korea," followed by remarks from Seiko Hashimoto, Chairperson of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, urging to "refrain from political messages."

Meanwhile, Japan is showing a 'double standard' approach regarding Olympic banners. During the removal of the 'Yi Sun-sin banner,' the Korea Sports Council secured a promise from the IOC to apply the same standards to the Rising Sun Flag. However, the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee countered, stating, "The Rising Sun Flag design is widely used in Japan and does not contain political claims. It is not included in the list of prohibited items in venues."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.