Rising sun flag appears again at World Cup; Korean professor files complaint with FIFA

The rising sun flag appeared again among supporters during Japan's group-stage match against Tunisia at the 2026 North America World Cup, stirring controversy, as Seo Kyoung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, filed a formal complaint with FIFA.

Seo announced Tuesday on his social media that the rising sun flag had been unfurled inside the stadium during the Japan-Tunisia group-stage match and that he had sent FIFA a complaint email detailing the incident.

"The rising sun flag is a symbol of Japanese militarism and imperialism — it was the banner Japan carried when it invaded countries across Asia, including during the Pacific War," Seo said.

He also recalled that Japanese supporters had displayed the rising sun flag at the Qatar World Cup, only for FIFA to intervene immediately, and said he was disappointed that no such action had been taken at this year's North America World Cup.

"It is unacceptable for the rising sun flag to be waved at a World Cup where people of all nationalities and races come together as one," Seo said. "For Asian football fans, it is an act that reopens the wounds of war."

He urged FIFA to block Japanese supporters from bringing the rising sun flag into stadiums altogether and to take swift action to ensure it never happens again.

"This incident should serve as an opportunity to raise awareness among football fans around the world who may not know the history of the rising sun flag," Seo said. "Above all, it is time for all of us to join forces to eradicate the rising sun flag through sustained international public discourse."

밥 위에 케이크 얹었다고…무료 급식하는 신부에게 악플 조롱 ‘공분’

https://biz.heraldcorp.com/article/10784799