Japan Destroyer Arrives in S. Korea with Rising Sun Flag

Jiji Press

17:12 JST, May 29, 2023

SEOUL (Jiji Press) — A Japanese destroyer arrived at Busan Port in southeastern South Korea on Monday while flying the Rising Sun flag, South Korean government officials said.

The previous administration of then South Korean President Moon Jae-in had requested that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces not fly the flag, which it saw as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism.

The current administration of President Yoon Suk-yeol, however, adhered to international customary practices.

A spokesperson at South Korea’s National Defense Ministry said at a press conference Thursday that when a foreign warship makes a port call, it usually raises its national flag and ensign.

Japan Vessels Displaying Rising Sun Ensign to Make Port Call in South Korea