Photo of Rising Sun Flag on FIFA Official Account... Deleted After Netizens' Complaints

"Use of Rising Sun Flag by FIFA and Other International Organizations
Reminds Asians of the Horrors of Past War Crimes"

Recently, the official social media (SNS) account of the FIFA World Cup used a photo of Japan's Rising Sun Flag, which was deleted following protests from Korean netizens.

Before (left) and after photos of the Rising Sun flag posted on the official FIFA World Cup account. [Image source=Screenshot from Professor Seokyeong Deok, Sungshin Women's University SNS]

On the 14th, Professor Seokyungdeok from Sungshin Women's University mentioned on SNS, "From the 13th to the 22nd of this month, a promotional image for the FIFA Club World Cup held in Saudi Arabia was posted on the account."

He pointed out, "An image introducing Urawa Reds (Japan), participating as last year's Asian Champions League winner, was also updated. Shoya Nakajima, a former European league player, appeared prominently, and the Rising Sun Flag was used in the background."

He added, "Many Korean netizens protested through comments and direct messages (DMs), leading to the removal of the Rising Sun Flag and its replacement with a different image."

Professor Seokyungdeok explained, "Although the Rising Sun Flag was used by Japanese people to symbolize bountiful catches (豊漁) or childbirth, it was the flag prominently displayed during Japan's invasions of various Asian countries in the past, symbolizing Japanese militarism and imperialism. The use of the Rising Sun Flag design by international organizations like FIFA reminds Asians of the terror caused by Japan's war crimes in the past."

He also added, "During last year's Qatar World Cup, FIFA immediately prohibited the cheering with the Rising Sun Flag by the Japanese supporters."

Professor Seokyungdeok stated, "Through cases such as FIFA's prohibition of cheering with the Rising Sun Flag and the deletion of the Rising Sun Flag from official SNS accounts, we will continue to work to eliminate the Rising Sun Flag design that may appear again in future international sports events. We kindly ask for ongoing reports and attention regarding the Rising Sun Flag."

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