Kim Hee Chul slams upside-down Korean flag on Liberation Day banner

Super Junior's Kim Hee Chul gave a blunt reaction to a banner celebrating Liberation Day that featured an upside-down Korean flag.

As controversy erupted over a banner incorrectly depicting the Korean flag—a national symbol—ahead of Liberation Day, Kim also directly pointed it out, expressing his discomfort.

On the 8th, a social media post titled 'Incheon City's Liberation Day banner with the Korean flag drawn backward' was uploaded.

According to the post, Incheon City hung commemorative banners in various locations ahead of the 81st Liberation Day. The problem was the depiction of the Korean flag placed alongside the phrase 'The 81st Liberation Day, the day we regained the light.' The flag inserted into the banner was displayed upside down.

As the Korean flag was incorrectly depicted during the commemoration of Liberation Day, a national memorial day with special historical significance, criticism from netizens followed. Debates also broke out over whether this could be viewed as a simple design error.

Kim also reacted directly after coming across the post. In the comments, he left a short and strong expression, "This is insane," along with a Korean flag emoji. Even without a lengthy explanation, his displeasure regarding the incorrect use of the flag was clearly evident.

As the Korean flag is a national symbol representing the Republic of Korea, it is fundamental to maintain its correct shape and direction. In particular, since Liberation Day commemorates regaining national sovereignty after escaping colonial rule, critics point out that more meticulous verification is required when using the flag on commemorative items.

This controversy shows that a small error in the Korean flag can expand beyond a simple design mistake into an issue of perception regarding history and national symbols. Furthermore, voices are growing that basic inspection procedures are necessary during the production and posting of official commemorative banners encountered by citizens in their daily lives.

This is not the first controversy regarding the use of the Korean flag. Previously, fellow group member Siwon also pointed out a photo of a vehicle with several Korean flag stickers attached upside down on social media, stating, "I am sincerely curious as to why they do it like that."

The Korean flag, which symbolizes the nation, is not a mere decoration. Especially within the historical context of Liberation Day, the meaning and memory of that day are layered into every flag. As such, more careful attention is needed to ensure that misrepresenting it does not happen again.