Moon Geum-ju, a member of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPJ), the largest opposition party in South Korea, announced on April 2 that he has proposed a bill to partially amend the Criminal Code to punish the use of militaristic symbols. The bill would regulate the display of the Rising Sun and other symbols.
Even though there have been recent cases of displaying the Japanese flag of the Rising Sun on condominiums and vehicles, the current law lacks a legal basis for regulating it.
The bill proposed by Councilor Moon would impose a fine of up to 20 million won (approximately 2.32 million yen) on those who produce or distribute symbols of militarism such as the Rising Sun, use them in crowded places, or use them in residential areas where they can be seen by others.
In addition, the law includes a provision in the Outdoor Advertisements Law prohibiting advertisements that symbolize militarism, and provides a legal basis for local government leaders to order the removal of advertisements that contain symbols of militarism, such as the Rising Sun Flag.
The act of displaying symbols of militarism such as the Rising Sun is an unforgivable crime that tramples on the historical legitimacy of the Republic of Korea and violates our dignity,” said Councilor Moon.
In Germany, the so-called “anti-Nazi law,” Article 86 of the Criminal Code, prohibits the use of symbols against groups that violate the Constitution. JoongAng Ilbo
