Why do pro-Park activists in South Korea wave US and Israeli flags?
Flags apparently are being used represent faith and patriotism, but there are fears of misunderstandings
By Yi Whan-woo
Controversy is brewing over the use of U.S. and Israeli flags by supporters of the impeached President Park Geun-hye during their weekend rallies that have nothing to do with the countries.
Right-wing groups have organised these rallies to counter much-larger demonstrations demanding Park’s removal from power by the Constitutional Court.
Pro-Park counterprotesters have waved the Korean national flag, or Taegeukgi, at the rallies, which they call “Taegeukgi rallies” themselves. Lately, they have also been bringing U.S. and Israeli flags to the political events.
The participants claim it is a way to show their “patriotism,” but criticism is prevalent that the flags are being misused.
Several protesters, who are mainly in their 60s or older, have been waving the Korean and U.S. flags together in a bid to underscore the Korea-U.S. security alliance against “North Korean sympathisers.”
Some others, who call themselves devout churchgoers, have brought the Israeli flag with a wooden cross and other symbols they think can represent their faith.
But critics said Monday that such expressions may only stir up misunderstandings toward the U.S and Israel as well as Christianity.
The U.S. and Israeli embassies in Seoul were not available for comment.
The National Christian Council in Korea (NCCK), a group of protestant congregations, asked its believers to refrain from taking part in events organised by extremists.
"The council was astonished by some of its members, including pastors, taking leading roles in collaborating with far-right activists," the NCCK said in a statement. "The members should not idolise unjust power and disgrace God's name."
It also asked its radical members to repent, citing that they have been chanting for "declaration of martial law and rise of the armed forces against the rebels."
Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University, warned against politicising religion.
"I don't think the U.S. and Israeli governments will find it too serious but using foreign flags for a political event may cause unnecessary debate, especially when such event is politicising a religion," he said.
A Daum user with ID Clean Society posted, "The pro-Park Geun-hye forces are ruining the values of the Korean flag, conservatism and patriotism."
A different Daum user with ID ojh suggested banning the use of Korean flags by Park's supporters.
