Kim Hee Chul slams inverted Korean flag on official banners

Super Junior's Kim Hee Chul expressed strong displeasure after noticing an error in the depiction of the Taegeukgi (the Korean national flag) on banners installed by Incheon City to commemorate the 81st Liberation Day. On the 8th, controversy erupted as photos of the commemorative banners posted throughout the city spread across online communities and social media.

The problematic banners featured the phrase '81st Liberation Day, the day we regained the light' alongside an image of the Taegeukgi. However, the photos revealed that the color arrangement of the Taegeuk pattern and the orientation of the four trigrams were the reverse of the actual flag. As the inverted national symbol was displayed on official promotional materials, voices emerged criticizing the lack of oversight by administrative authorities.

"This is crazy" — Kim Hee Chul's blunt criticism and Siwon's support

Kim Hee Chul reacted immediately via his SNS after encountering the posts. Sharing the photos of the controversial banners, he left a comment using the expression "This is crazy" alongside an emoji of the correctly shaped Taegeukgi. He expressed his blunt frustration regarding the incorrect depiction of the national symbol.

Fellow member Siwon also joined in supporting Kim Hee Chul. Siwon expressed his sympathy by replying to Kim's comment with a Taegeukgi emoji. The reactions from the two members spread rapidly online, mirroring the public's response to the local government's administrative error.

Incheon City's Liberation Day banners spark inspection controversy

The core of the controversy lies in the fact that the banners are official promotional materials produced and posted by Incheon City to celebrate Liberation Day. As Liberation Day is a major national occasion, the accurate depiction of the Taegeukgi is fundamental. However, because the banners were posted with the Taegeuk pattern and trigrams inverted, criticism has poured in regarding the failure of the basic inspection process.

Netizens expressed bewilderment at such a fundamental error occurring in official materials produced by a government agency. Given the significance of Liberation Day, critics pointed out that using an incorrect image of the Taegeukgi could undermine national symbolism. Criticism regarding the local government's administration and production process continues to grow across online communities.

Recent activities of Super Junior members

Kim Hee Chul has recently maintained a lower profile in broadcasting. Last May, he temporarily stepped down from the JTBC variety show 'Knowing Bros' due to health reasons. Subsequently, on July 13, he continued his musical activities by forming the unit 'Super Junior-83z' with member Leeteuk and releasing the 1st mini album 'Promise'.

While Siwon continues his steady stream of activities, he demonstrated his close bond with his fellow members through this SNS reaction. The Taegeukgi banner controversy serves as a reminder of the need for accurate knowledge and thorough inspection of national symbols when local governments produce public promotional materials.