According to Chinese outlet Guancha on September 24, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. on September 18 near National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei. The 31-year-old Korean, identified as A, confronted student B over the red, radiating design on B’s shirt.
Intoxicated, A grabbed the student’s collar and slapped B twice, insisting the design resembled the Rising Sun flag. Even after B explained, “I’m Taiwanese and I don’t know the meaning of this pattern,” A struck B once more. Witnesses said A shouted: “This design is Japan’s Nazi symbol.”
The victim quickly left the scene and reported the incident to police. Officers arrived and restrained A, who was too drunk to give a statement. He was later released into his family’s custody.
Investigators confirmed that A is married to a Taiwanese woman and resides in Taiwan. The case has been transferred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office, where he faces assault charges.
The Rising Sun flag was used as a military ensign by Imperial Japan during World War II, symbolizing its militarism and aggression across Asia. While Seoul has local ordinances restricting its display in public, enforcement remains weak. In 2024, a bill was introduced in the South Korean National Assembly proposing penalties of up to two years in prison or fines of up to 5 million won for producing, distributing, or publicly displaying items featuring the Rising Sun motif.
Sources: Daum
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