 |
|
The PSV Eindhoven’s Korean-language apology posted on its website
|
Elite Dutch soccer club posts Korean-language apology on social media for “distasteful” image
PSV Eindhoven, an elite pro soccer club in the Netherlands, issued an official Korean-language apology for its use of the Japanese Rising Sun flag (war crime flag) pattern, a symbol of Japanese militarism. In a message posted on its social networking services on Sept. 8, Eindhoven wrote, “Last week, PSV posted an image that may regard as distasteful.” “We wish to state that it was never our club’s intention to upset fans,” the message read. On Aug. 28, Eindhoven used a graphic showing the Rising Sun flag in an announcement of its acquisition of midfielder Ritsu Doan, formerly a member of the Japanese national team. Selected as the Japanese military flag early in the Meiji Era (1868–1912), the Rising Sun was used until the country’s surrender in the Pacific War and has been viewed in South Korea as a symbol of Japanese militarism and imperialism. In its Korean-language apology, Eindhoven made reference to its past players from South Korea, including Huh Jung-moo, Park Ji-sung, and Lee Young-pyo. “Some have said that this [use of the Rising Sun image] was an unwise decision,” Eindhoven said. “As a football club, PSV places great value on mutual respect, as the players Huh Jung-moo, Park Ji-sung, and Lee Young-pyo know well,” it added. By Kim Dong-hoon, staff writer Please direct comments or questions to [english@hani.co.kr]
