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Flawed South Korean Flag Found in Middle School Textbook: Prof. Seo Kyeong-duk Criticizes Ministry of Education

Yoo Younggyu

Published : Sep 1, 2026 8:23 AM


▲ The incorrectly drawn Taegeuk pattern of the South Korean flag

It has been pointed out that the Taegeuk pattern of the South Korean flag was drawn incorrectly in a middle school Korean language textbook.

Professor Seo Kyeong-duk of Sungshin Women's University stated on social media today (Sept. 1) that he received a tip along with a photo from a parent, pointing out that "the Taegeuk pattern of the South Korean flag is drawn incorrectly in a second-semester Korean language textbook for second-year middle school students published by Visang Education."

He also noted that the photo description in the self-study book was labeled as the "2002 Korea World Cup," pointing out that the accurate name is the "2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan."

"It is unacceptable for such errors to occur in textbooks our children learn from," he said. "The publisher is at fault, but since this textbook is a government-approved book authorized by the Ministry of Education, the ministry also bears a heavy responsibility."

He added, "For a long time, I have corrected many incorrectly depicted South Korean flags used abroad. I will also work to correct incorrectly used flag designs domestically."

(Photo: Captured from Sungshin Women's University Professor Seo Kyeong-duk's social media, Yonhap News)