Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University in South Korea stated that he has already collected evidence of Japanese fans using the Rising Sun flag to cheer during World Cup matches and plans to submit a formal report to FIFA before Japan's third group match. He is demanding that the tournament organizers and hosts thoroughly investigate the matter and implement strict punishments and preventive mechanisms to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
Seo Kyung-duk stated that some Japanese fans using the Rising Sun flag as a cheering tool at the World Cup is an "extremely foolish and wrong act."
Seo Kyung-duk strongly called on the international community to recognize the seriousness of this issue.
In the second round of the F Group at the US-Canada-Mexico World Cup on Saturday, Japan defeated Tunisia 4-0. At the scene, some Japanese fans brought the Japanese military flag, the "Rising Sun flag," to cheer for their team, making many Korean viewers feel uncomfortable and disgusted.
Soon after, Korean netizens criticized Japanese fans on social networks, and Seo Kyung-duk said bluntly: "Using the Rising Sun flag as a celebration tool at the World Cup is highly inappropriate, as it evokes memories of the horrors of war among football fans across Asia."
The Rising Sun flag is the "naval ensign of Japan," and it is widely seen as a symbol of Japanese militarism and imperialism.
According to relevant FIFA regulations, any items with political, offensive, or discriminatory content—including flags, banners, slogans, or clothing—are strictly prohibited at the venue. Japanese fans have tried bringing this flag into stadiums more than once. Seo Kyung-duk stated, "During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Japanese fans attempted to display the Rising Sun flag inside the stadium, but security staff immediately intervened and stopped them."
Seo Kyung-duk said that after Japan drew 2-2 with the Netherlands, scenes of celebrations in the streets of Japan also showed appearances of the Rising Sun flag, and it was visible all over the country.
Seo Kyung-duk urged the relevant Korean authorities to immediately file a complaint to FIFA to stop Japanese fans from bringing in the Rising Sun flag again during the Japan vs. Sweden match at 7:00 a.m. Malaysia Time on June 26.
"Through continued international publicity efforts, we will strive to eliminate the misuse of this flag around the world," said Seo Kyung-duk.