A French television broadcaster, La Chaine Info (LCI), has deleted a news segment following a complaint from the South Korean Embassy in Paris, according to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The issue arose from LCI’s incorrect image of the South Korean flag, which featured a red circle resembling the Japanese flag rather than the actual South Korean flag’s red and blue circle design.

The foreign ministry stated it had lodged a “stern protest” to the broadcaster over the error. LCI expressed regret and subsequently removed the video.

Why It Matters

MOFA’s protest against LCI for misrepresenting the South Korean flag is notable as it’s unusual for the Ministry to challenge a foreign private news outlet. This action highlights the Yoon administration’s heightened sensitivity to any perceived alignment with Japan. Throughout 2023, the Yoon government worked to improve relations with Japan, resulting in South Korea agreeing to compensate its citizens subjected to Japanese forced labor during World War II without Tokyo’s participation and declining to protest Japan’s decision to discharge treated Fukushima nuclear plant water into the ocean. These decisions have sparked criticism from the main opposition Democratic Party, accusing the administration of “submissiveness and subservience” to Japan.

With parliamentary elections looming in just 98 days and polls predicting a tight race, Yoon’s strong reaction to the Ministry of National Defense’s description of Dokdo as “disputed territory” in its education material for the country’s servicemembers further exemplifies the administration’s acute awareness of public sentiment regarding Japan. MOFA’s response to LCI reflects domestic political calculations and the balance the Yoon administration seeks to maintain in foreign relations.