Gyeonggi councilor proposes banning use of imperial Japanese symbols in province

The Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly building in Suwon / Korea Times file

The Rising Sun Flag flies as then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, reviews members of Japan Self Defense Forces during the Self Defense Forces Day at Asaka Base, north of Tokyo, Oct. 27, 2013. Korea Times file

The Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly issued a legislative notice Wednesday for an ordinance restricting the use of Japanese imperialist symbols in the province.

The ordinance, proposed by Gyeonggi council member Hwang Dae-ho of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, aims to ban the display of symbols and designs associated with Japanese imperialism, including military flags such as the Rising Sun flag, at public spaces and events affiliated with or organized by Gyeonggi Province.

It would also allow the provincial governor to conduct an inspection on the use of such symbols at public institutions.

Hwang said he proposed the ordinance as Korea marks the 80th anniversary of its liberation from the 1910-45 Japanese occupation, adding that he hopes “this ordinance will help uphold (Korea’s) national identity and contribute to fostering a correct understanding of history” by regulating the use of Japanese imperialist symbols in the province.

The councilor noted similar regulations had been put into place in seven other local governments in Korea, including the country’s capital, Seoul, as well as Busan and Incheon.

If passed, it would enable the establishment of an advisory committee on limiting imperial Japanese symbols.

Hwang, who chairs the provincial assembly’s culture, sports and tourism committee, has previously proposed bills on educating students about Japanese companies that assisted Japan’s war efforts in the early 20th century and promoting lesser-known independence fighters from Gyeonggi Province.

The proposed ordinance is scheduled for review at the provincial assembly’s ad hoc session in April.