On June 6, Memorial Day, a large pile of trash bags containing South Korean flags was discovered on the roadside in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, prompting the police to launch an investigation.
According to the police, a citizen reported finding trash bags containing South Korean flags in Naedeok-dong, Cheongwon District of Cheongju, to the local government and police. The police, after confirming the scene, are searching for the individual who disposed of the flags.
Simply discarding damaged South Korean flags may constitute a violation of the National Flag Act. If intentionality is recognized, penalties for defamation of the national flag under criminal law may also be applicable. The South Korean flag must be managed according to the National Flag Act, and damaged flags should be disposed of appropriately, such as by incineration. They can also be discarded in collection boxes for South Korean flags located at administrative welfare centers.