Screenshot of La Chaine Info's news segment featuring an inaccurate representation of the South Korean national flag on Sunday. (La Chaîne Info's YouTube)
French news outlet La Chaine Info sparked outrage among Koreans by broadcasting picture of the South Korean national flag with a red circle instead of the distinctive "taegeuk" mark at its center.
The incorrect flag appeared in a visual aid used by the news presenter Sunday during a segment discussing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's provocative remarks about war against South Korea, made during a meeting with high-ranking officers.
The error was particularly concerning to many Koreans due to the crimson circle's resemblance to the Japanese flag. Japan ruled Korea from 1910-1945, depriving Koreans of sovereignty.
The news segment was also shared on La Chaine Info's YouTube channel, gathering over 125,000 views and 800 comments as of Tuesday morning, a majority of which criticized the mistake.
"I expected better from French media," one viewer commented.
Another wrote, "It is especially disappointing given France's role as the Olympic host this year."
One comment even compared the error to blending Nazi symbols with the French flag.
La Chaine Info has not yet responded to inquiries from The Korea Herald regarding the incident on Tuesday.
MOST POPULAR