MMA fighter Chan Sung Jung (aka The Korean Zombie) has asked UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre (aka GSP), to stop using the rising sun gi shown to the right. In an open letter posted on Jung’s FaceBook page, Jung says that the logo represents Japanese militarism and is offensive to Koreans and other Asians. Here is an excerpt:
Dear Mr. Georges St. Pierre
Hi, My name is Chan Sung Jung from South Korea. As one of many Koreans who like you as an incredible athlete, I feel like I should tell you that many Korean fans, including myself, were shocked to see you in your gi designed after the Japanese ‘Rising Sun Flag’. For Asians, this flag is a symbol of war crimes, much like the German Hakenkreuzflagge. Did you know that? I hope not…
I find this an interesting contrast to the controversy over the New Jersey memorial to WWII comfort women. In that case, Japanese were doing the objecting. I like that instead of being hostile and shouting insults or threats, Jung respectfully explains the situation and asks GSP if he will going to wear a similar one at his next fight. Certainly better than defacing the memorial.
GSP has apologized and also has posted an apology from the clothing sponsor that provided the rising sun gi. Hayabusa (based out of Canada) says it will not distribute that particular item of clothing.
Photo Credit: Chan Jung Sung (from his FaceBook account)
