"Rising Sun Flag Mercedes-Benz" Spotted Again... This Time With a Trump "MAGA" Hat

Experts Call for Prompt Legislation

In Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk Province, a Mercedes-Benz SUV displaying the Rising Sun flag, a symbol of Japanese imperialism, was spotted, sparking controversy.

A Mercedes-Benz vehicle displaying the Rising Sun flag was spotted in Gimcheon City, Gyeongbuk Province, sparking controversy. Instagram

On the 17th, a photo of the Mercedes-Benz vehicle with the Rising Sun flag taken in Gimcheon, Gyeongbuk Province, was released on an online community. Multiple Rising Sun flags were attached to the exterior of the vehicle, and on the dashboard inside, there was a "MAGA (Make America Great Again)" hat, a slogan supporting former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The netizen who shared the related photo commented, "It appears to be the same individual who appeared in the news a few years ago," and added, "The enactment of a law banning the Rising Sun flag is urgently needed." The vehicle, commonly referred to as the "Rising Sun Flag Mercedes-Benz," has been spotted several times since last year, repeatedly causing controversy.

The Rising Sun flag was used as a military flag by Japan during World War II and symbolizes Japanese militarism. It was used by both the army and navy as a military flag during invasions of various Asian countries, including the Pacific War.

Rising Sun Flag installation displayed at Hansung University in June. Professor Seo Kyungduk

Ongoing Rising Sun Flag Controversy, Lack of Legal Measures Highlighted

Controversy surrounding the Rising Sun flag continues without end. In June, at Hansung University in Seoul, a student caused controversy by installing an unauthorized exhibit featuring the Rising Sun flag design and hate speech.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has enacted an ordinance restricting the use of Japanese imperialist symbols, banning the display and sale of military flags and sculptures that symbolize or evoke Japanese imperialism, such as the Rising Sun flag, in public spaces. However, criticism persists that the ordinance lacks legal force because it is not a national law.

To address these limitations, the National Assembly proposed a bill last year to penalize the use of the Rising Sun flag (partial amendment to the Criminal Act). The amendment stipulates that anyone who manufactures, distributes, uses, or wears clothing or items featuring the Rising Sun flag in Korea, or displays them in crowded public places, may face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 4 million won.

Experts also emphasize the urgent need for relevant legislation. Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University stated in a post on social media shortly after the Hansung University Rising Sun flag incident became public, "If such cases accumulate, it could actually provide justification for Japan's use of the Rising Sun flag. This should not be dismissed as an individual's deviation. Laws must be promptly established to address these recurring issues."

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