JTBC has once again found itself at the center of a significant controversy following an incident where the Japanese flag, the "Hinomaru," was broadcast for approximately 10 seconds during its coverage of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics women's curling match between South Korea and Japan. Occurring during a live sports broadcast, this event has sparked outrage among viewers and serves as a stark reminder of society's deep-seated understanding of sensitive historical symbols, extending beyond a mere broadcasting error. While JTBC promptly issued an apology, the recurrence of such controversies is rooted in the historical context of the Hinomaru and, more critically, the 'Kyokujitsu-ki' (Rising Sun flag), and the pain these symbols inflict on Koreans. This article delves into the JTBC Hinomaru controversy, examining the historical background of the Rising Sun flag and the reasons behind the strong Korean reaction to this symbol.
The 2026 Winter Olympics curling match between South Korea and Japan was a highly anticipated event, drawing significant public attention. During a commercial break in this crucial broadcast, JTBC mistakenly aired a graphic of the Hinomaru, an error that immediately drew intense criticism from viewers. Although the broadcast team apologized instantly, viewers expressed shock and anger, with comments such as "Why would such a mistake happen during a South Korea-Japan match?" and "I thought I was watching a Japanese broadcast." This broadcasting accident is reminiscent of similar controversies involving the Rising Sun flag or the Hinomaru that have repeatedly occurred involving various broadcasters, public institutions, and even celebrities. This issue transcends simple mistakes, demanding a profound reflection on historical consciousness across our society and the accountability of media outlets.
While many people confuse the Hinomaru and the Rising Sun flag, there is a crucial difference in what each symbol represents. The Hinomaru (日章旗) is Japan's national flag, featuring a red disc on a white background. In contrast, the Rising Sun flag (旭日旗) features a red disc with rays of sunlight radiating outwards. Adopted as the military flag of the Imperial Japanese Army in 1870 after the Meiji Restoration, and later as the war flag of the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1889, the Rising Sun flag began to symbolize Japanese imperialism and militarism. The flag currently used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is also based on the Rising Sun motif.
The Rising Sun flag is not merely a traditional motif. It is the flag used by Japan during its brutal wartime atrocities, including the forced colonization of the Korean Peninsula and the invasion of various Asian nations. During the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945), Koreans suffered under the iron-fisted rule, exploitation, and policies of ethnic annihilation imposed by Japanese imperialism. The Rising Sun flag symbolizes this history of invasion and colonial rule, and for the people of victimized nations, including Korea, it is recognized as a "war crime flag" that evokes deep pain and anger. Just as the swastika of Nazi Germany is banned in Europe and considered a symbol of war crimes, the Rising Sun flag is a remnant of Japanese imperialism and an unacceptable symbol for its victims.
The controversy over the use of the Rising Sun flag is not confined to Korea. The flag's appearance at international sporting events and cultural exchanges continuously causes problems. The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has intervened to stop Japanese fans from displaying the Rising Sun flag, and movements urging the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ban its use are ongoing. The Japanese government maintains that the Rising Sun flag is part of its traditional culture and unobjectionable as an official flag of the Self-Defense Forces. However, this stance is vastly detached from the sentiments of countries that have experienced its history of aggression. This disparity in perception fuels continuous debate and conflict in the international arena, with active campaigns aiming to label the Rising Sun flag a "war crime flag" and restrict its usage.
JTBC's recent incident of broadcasting the Hinomaru once again underscores the critical need for broadcasters to exercise extreme caution with historical symbols. Media outlets wield immense influence not only in conveying information but also in shaping social values and perceptions. For historically sensitive symbols, rigorous verification, expert consultation, and adherence to internal guidelines are imperative during the production process. Such broadcasting errors cannot be dismissed as mere mistakes due to their significant ripple effects, potentially triggering historical trauma among viewers and inciting unnecessary controversy. Broadcasters must not only ensure the universal viewing rights of their audience but also strive to share a correct understanding of history and fulfill their social responsibilities. These efforts are crucial first steps toward fostering a healthy media environment and preventing the repetition of past tragedies.
The JTBC Hinomaru controversy demonstrates that our society still needs to engage in deep reflection and exercise caution regarding historical issues. The fact that the Rising Sun flag symbolizes Japanese imperialism remains an indelible pain for Koreans, making any act that disregards it unacceptable. Not only broadcasters but all members of society must approach historical symbols with a correct understanding and sensitivity. Governments and civil society must work to raise international awareness about the Rising Sun flag issue and continue efforts to restrict its use. Furthermore, media organizations must take this controversy as an opportunity to strengthen internal systems and provide thorough historical education to their production staff, engaging in constant self-rectification to prevent similar incidents from recurring. We must not forget that confronting the past and remembering history correctly is the only path toward a true future.
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Q1: What is the recent Hinomaru broadcast controversy involving JTBC?
A1: During its broadcast of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics women's curling match between South Korea and Japan, JTBC mistakenly aired a graphic of the Hinomaru, Japan's national flag, for about 10 seconds during a commercial break. This led to strong criticism from viewers, and JTBC has issued an apology and promised to prevent recurrence.
Q2: Are the Hinomaru and the Rising Sun flag the same?
A2: No. The Hinomaru is Japan's national flag, while the Rising Sun flag was used as a symbol of Japanese imperialism and militarism. The Rising Sun flag features a red disc with radiating rays, and it is recognized as a "war crime flag" by victimized nations, including Korea, symbolizing a painful history of war crimes.
Q3: Why is the Rising Sun flag a sensitive symbol for Koreans?
A3: The Rising Sun flag was a military ensign used by Japanese imperialism during the forced occupation of the Korean Peninsula and its invasions of various Asian countries. It symbolizes the suffering and sacrifices experienced by Koreans during the Japanese colonial period and is regarded as a symbol of war crimes, similar to the swastika of Nazi Germany.
Q4: What international efforts are being made to prevent the use of the Rising Sun flag?
A4: FIFA has instances of prohibiting the use of the Rising Sun flag by Japanese fans, and continuous campaigns are urging the IOC to ban its use. Civic activists, such as Professor Seo Kyoung-duk, are also actively engaged in campaigns to eradicate the Rising Sun flag, raising international awareness about its historical meaning and working to prevent its use.
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