Tiffany sorry for Rising Sun Flag on Instagram

Tiffany

By Kim Jae-heun

Tiffany of K-pop girl group Girls’ Generation posted a handwritten apology on Instagram, Monday, after posting an image containing the pattern of a “Rising Sun” flag over the text “Tokyo Japan.” The flag is considered a symbol of Japan’s military colonialism during World War II.

The singer’s post was met with widespread public criticism, as she posted the image a day before the National Liberation Day on Aug. 15.

Tiffany was participating in the SM Town Concert in Tokyo at the time.

Her written apology was derided by many for not mentioning why sharing the Rising Sun Flag design is improper. Some questioned whether her agency had written the apology letter for her to avoid stirring up any debate among the band’s Japanese fans.

The photo with Rising Sun flag design letter has been deleted before she posted an apology.

Controversies surrounding celebrities using the Rising Sun Flag design arise frequently, including T.O.P of BigBang, British-Korean model Kim Sang-woo and comedian Jung Chan-woo, who have all worn items themed with the particular design. Hollywood actress Kristen Stewart also wore a T-shirt with a Rising Sun Flag print when she came to last year’s Chanel 2015-2016 Cruise Collection in Seoul. Stewart did not comment on this.