Professor Seo Kyeong-deok reports to OCA about the Rising Sun Flag cheering issue at the Asian Games

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Jeong A-ran = Recently, while cheering for the Rising Sun flag occurred at the judo stadium at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, Professor Seo Gyeong-deok of Sungshin Women's University reported the related matter to the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA).

On the 6th, Professor Seo pointed out through social networking service (SNS) that some spectators cheered by holding large Rising Sun flags during the final match between Japan and Kazakhstan in the mixed judo team event held at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan on the 3rd.

At the time, a Korean judo official who discovered this requested the tournament organizing committee to take action, but no sanctions were imposed.

Regarding this, Professor Seo said, “This is because the organizing committee publicly stated that cheering for the Rising Sun Flag is permitted,” and that he sent a complaint email to the OCA and attached a video explaining the history of the Rising Sun Flag.

In an email, he criticized, "The Rising Sun Flag is the flag that Japan displayed at the forefront when it invaded Asian countries, including during the Pacific War, and symbolizes militarism and imperialism. Cheering with the Rising Sun Flag is an act that once again reminds Asians of the fear of war."

In particular, he emphasized, "It was a clear mistake of the organizing committee to allow the Rising Sun flag to be brought in out of concern for the citizens," and added, "Now it is OCA's turn to step forward."

He also added, “The organizing committee, which promised to hold an event for the harmony and peace of Asian people, must officially apologize,” and added, “I hope that the OCA will also continue to pay attention to ensure that Rising Sun Flag cheering does not appear again at future Asian Games.”

Professor Seo said, “I will do my best to ensure that the Rising Sun flag is removed from sporting events around the world.”