The Jung-gu district office in Seoul took down its “No Japan” flags from the streets following a firestorm of public criticism on the internet.



The move came after the embattled office on Tuesday had pushed ahead with putting up the placards on streets in the crowded downtown district, ignoring the widespread condemnation and ridicule from South Koreans.







The Jung-gu district office’s controversial “No Japan” placard has been taken down in the central district of Seoul on Tuesday. (Yonhap)



In announcing a reversal of the decision, Seo Yang-ho, head of the Jung-gu office, said on social media, “We intended to fight together with ordinary citizens against the Japanese economic retaliation, and we are very sorry for causing confusion.”



Apart from the public outcry, a phone call from Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon on Tuesday appears to have forced Seo to withdraw his controversial plan, according to local media reports.



“We accept the criticism that the ‘No Japan’ banners could bring about unwanted misunderstandings by identifying the Japanese people with their government,” Seo added.



On Monday, the district office said it would set up 1,100 banners reading “No Japan” on lampposts along 22 streets ahead of the Aug. 15 National Liberation Day. Korea was freed from Japanese colonization on Aug. 15, 1945.



The office claimed its move was designed to protest against Japan amid the rising diplomatic and economic tensions between the two countries.



“Jung-gu is in the heart of Seoul and is an area frequently visited by foreign tourists, and (with the banners) we will be able to portray our strong will to fight against Japan’s unreasonableness” Seo had said.







The Jung-gu district office’s controversial “No Japan” placard is placed along with the Korean national flag in the central district of Seoul on Tuesday. (Yonhap)