British rock band Oasis has stirred controversy in South Korea after posting a promotional video featuring imagery resembling the Rising Sun Flag—a symbol widely recognized as representing Japanese imperialism and war crimes—just days before Korea’s Liberation Day on August 15.
The video, shared on Oasis’s official social media, was intended to showcase a “new visual for Morning Glory.” However, the design of the sun’s rays bore a striking resemblance to the Rising Sun Flag, prompting immediate backlash from Korean netizens. The timing heightened the offense, as Liberation Day marks Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule.
Online reactions were swift and harsh. Comments included:
- Do you even want to come to Korea?
- Why now, of all times?
- Study history before starting your Asia tour.
This isn’t the band’s first brush with controversy in Asia. Just last month, frontman Liam Gallagher faced criticism after posting the term “ching chong” on his social media—a racial slur against East Asians. Though he deleted the post and apologized, saying “That wasn’t my intention. I do not discriminate,” the incident left a lingering negative impression.
Despite the uproar, Oasis is still scheduled to hold their Korean concert on October 21 at Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province. Whether the band will address the latest criticism remains to be seen.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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