Creator Drama
Mexican YouTuber Faces Backlash Over Rising Sun Flag Video
Ongoing
Cover: GenZHype original graphic. All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 3 events from May 26, 2026 to Jun 16, 2026, drawn from 3 sources.
“I received a tip-off from a Korean resident in Mexico,”
via asiae.co.kr
Background
The Rising Sun flag, featuring a red disc with 16 rays, is associated with Japan’s Imperial Army and is considered offensive in several Asian countries, especially South Korea, due to its wartime legacy.
Previous incidents involving the flag have occurred at international sporting events, including the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, prompting calls for its removal from public displays.
The timeline
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Mexican YouTuber uploads World Cup preview video
A YouTube channel dedicated to football reportedly posted a video introducing the 48 nations competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which appears to feature multiple scenes of cheering with the Rising Sun flag.[231]
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Professor Seo Kyung‑duk publicly condemns the video
Seo Kyung‑duk, a liberal arts professor at Sungshin Women’s University, reportedly criticized the video on Instagram, noting its 1.3 million views, 10 000 likes, and urging greater effort to eliminate the flag’s use in international sports contexts.[230]
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YouTuber modifies video and apologizes
The YouTuber reportedly modified the video and published an apology in a pinned comment, stating they were reportedly unaware of the issue and believed the imagery was the general Japanese flag.[2883]
Frequently asked
What is the Rising Sun flag?
A flag featuring a red sun disc with 16 rays on a white background, historically used by the Japanese Imperial Army and viewed as a symbol of militarism in several Asian nations.
Why is the flag controversial in the video?
Its appearance is seen as insensitive to countries that suffered under Japanese imperial aggression, prompting criticism from scholars and the public.
Has the YouTuber responded?
No public response from the YouTuber has been reported in the available sources.
Related drama
Sources
- koreaherald.com, This image shows the Rising Sun flag used to represent Japan at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. (@seokyoungduk, Instagram) A Mexican YouTuber has come under fire for using footage of the Rising Sun flag , Jun 16, 2026.
- asiae.co.kr, Controversy Erupts Over Rising Sun Flag in World Cup Cheering Video Ahead of Tournament OpeningProfessor Seo Kyungduk: "Do Not Mistake It for a Symbol Representing Japan" With about two weeks remainin, Jun 16, 2026.
- news.infoseek.co.jp, トップ 新着ニュース 国際 アジア ソ・ギョンドク教授提供(c)news1【KOREA WAVE】サッカー・ワールドカップ（W杯）北中米大会の開幕を前に、旭日旗を用いた応援動画を投稿して一部で批判を浴びていた海外のユーチューバーが、該当の動画を修正し、謝罪文を公開したことが分かった。このユーチューバーは、主にサッカー関連の動画を投稿するチャンネルを運営。W杯に出場する48カ国を紹介する動画の中で、, Jun 6, 2026.
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 3 dated events from 3 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “Mexican YouTuber Faces Backlash Over Rising Sun Flag Video.”
GenZHype, 4 September 2026,
https://genzhype.com/drama/mexican-youtuber-faces-backlash-over-rising-sun-flag-video/.