South Korean political tension rises over party unity and flag displays

During the Democratic Party of Korea convention, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized unity, stating that the party is “strongest when it is one.” He called for the new leadership to unite following intense internal debate and competition.

Separately, controversy arose following the 81st Liberation Day ceremony regarding the display of various Taegeukgi flags. Spokespersons for the People Power Party criticized the arrangement, labeling the different flag orientations as “a new type of code used by anti-state forces” and suggesting intentional disrespect toward the national flag.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety clarified that the flags displayed—including the Bulwonbok flag, the Provisional Government flag, and flags signed by Kim Gu and the Korean Liberation Army—were historical artifacts. Because the current standardized design of the Taegeukgi was not established until 1949, these historical versions naturally feature different patterns and placements. The Ministry noted that the vertical hanging of the flags complied with existing regulations.