On June 4, 2026, Korean media Seoul Shinmun reported that an overseas YouTuber who caused controversy by releasing a support video featuring the Rising Sun Flag ahead of the Soccer World Cup (W杯) has apologized after modifying the video.

According to the article, the issue concerned a video uploaded by a YouTuber primarily active in Mexico, introducing the 48 countries participating in the 2026 World Cup. This video repeatedly featured footage of Japanese supporters waving the Rising Sun Flag while beating drums, and the video's cumulative views exceeded 1.5 million.

The YouTuber recently expressed in a pinned comment on the video, 'I apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to my content.' They also stated, 'I foolishly overlooked the many warnings posted in the comment section.'

Furthermore, they reportedly explained, 'Regarding the Japanese flag (Rising Sun Flag) that appeared in multiple scenes in the video, I sincerely apologize to the Asian people who were hurt,' and 'Honestly, I was completely unaware of this issue and thought (the Rising Sun Flag) was a normal Japanese flag.'

Regarding this video, Korean experts commented that 'This happened because foreigners unfamiliar with the historical background of the Rising Sun Flag misunderstood it as a symbol representing Japan,' and '(The Rising Sun Flag symbolizes Japanese militarism) we must make further efforts to eliminate the use of the Rising Sun Flag, which reminds Asian people of the pain of war.' Critical comments about the video had accumulated.

Subsequently, the YouTuber blurred the problematic scenes, modifying them so that the Rising Sun Flag was not visible.

Regarding this, Korean netizens commented with remarks such as 'It doesn't seem like there was malicious intent,' 'If they didn't know, it can't be helped. Since they corrected it and apologized, that's enough,' 'Many people overseas don't know the history of the Rising Sun Flag,' 'Their prompt response after being informed is commendable,' and 'There's no need to blame them further since they've apologized.'

On the other hand, comments such as 'Even if it was ignorance, an influential content creator needs to verify things beforehand,' 'Perhaps it's misunderstood because Japan actively uses it for overseas promotion,' 'I also think it's not good that it's only recognized as a traditional Japanese design in places like Europe and the US,' 'The historical background should be made known to the world more,' and 'I think using the Rising Sun Flag itself for soccer cheering is a problem' were also seen. (Translation/Editing: Higuchi)