Netflix once again blatantly exposed the Rising Sun Flag and created controversy.
Recently, the 10-episode series “Umbrella Academy Season 3” was released on Netflix, a global online video service (OTT). “Umbrella Academy” is a popular work as it immediately ranks first on the global ranking charts. However, the problem arose in the 6th episode when the character Diego (David Castañeda) opened a door and walked out. The door had a pattern of red lines extending in all directions.
After seeing this scene, many Korean netizens are upset, saying that it reminds them of the Rising Sun Flag. In fact, the door also features the Japanese folk painting “Ukiyoe,” which further convinced them it was indeed the Rising Sun Flag.
In addition, the controversy intensified as the Rising Sun Flag was spotted everywhere in the 6th episode. In response, Seo Kyung-deok, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, reportedly asked Netflix to delete or replace the scene as soon as possible.
This is not the first time Netflix has been exposed to using the Rising Sun Flag in its series. Earlier, Netflix premiered the Japanese animation “Demon Slayer” in Korea and caused a stir as the main character Tanjiro has the Rising Sun Flag design on his earrings. As the controversy grew at that time, Netflix revised the earrings patterns in on Korean Netflix.
Professor Seo said, “The historical meaning of the Rising Sun Flag can be misunderstood by viewers, so it should be corrected. This opportunity will no longer allow the Rising Sun Flag pattern to be used in Netflix contents, and furthermore, this pattern should be erased from various global OTT services as well.”
Meanwhile, the Rising Sun Flag is a military flag used by Japan during World War II and is criticized as a war criminal flag as it symbolizes Japanese militarism imperialism.
Source: Daum
