"Yi Sun-sin Banned, But Toyotomi Allowed?" Prof. Seo Kyoung-duk Protests to Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee

Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University has lodged a protest with the organizing committee of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games over the appearance of a person dressed as Toyotomi Hideyoshi during a welcoming event for the Athletes' Village.

Professor Seo announced via social media today (Sept. 17) that he sent an official protest email to the Asian Games Organizing Committee regarding the incident, demanding an official apology and measures to prevent a recurrence.

"Toyotomi is a figure who invaded Joseon in 1592, triggering the Imjin War and shattering peace in East Asia," Seo criticized. "Given that this Asian Games is a tournament that champions peace and harmony as the largest event in Asia, this performance was highly inappropriate."

"It is an even more baffling action when looking back at Japan's past deeds," he said, adding that he pointed out this issue in his protest email as well.

He also brought up the case from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, when the South Korean athletic delegation hung a banner on the outer wall of the Athletes' Village quoting Admiral Yi Sun-sin's phrase "Sang-yu-sip-i" (I still have twelve ships remaining), which was ultimately taken down following backlash from Japanese media and right-wing groups.

"Japan's double standard—banning Admiral Yi Sun-sin while featuring Toyotomi, who left neighboring countries deeply scarred through a history of invasion—is anachronistic thinking," he criticized.

Furthermore, he emphasized, "The organizing committee must offer an official apology for this incident and pay close attention to ensure that such an incident never happens again."

Seo added, "We will continue to inform the world about Japan's misguided behavior regarding history."

Earlier on the 15th, a pre-performance featuring Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu was held at Nagoya's Kinjo Pier in Japan to commemorate the docking of the large passenger ship Costa Serena, which is being used as a cruise ship athletes' village.

(Photo: Professor Seo Kyoung-duk's social media, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.