Following the controversy caused by global fashion brand Superdry incorrectly applying the Taegeukgi's geon-gon-gam-ri pattern, it has been confirmed that products with reversed Taegeuk pattern colors are being sold at domestic traditional markets.

Superdry Takes Recall Action Over Incorrect Taegeukgi Design

Previously, Superdry released a T-shirt featuring the phrases "Seoul" and "KOREA" along with the Taegeukgi's four trigrams, but it sparked controversy due to the incorrect arrangement of the geon, gon, gam, and ri trigrams. The domestic operator, F&F Group, identified the error after the product's launch in October 2025 and took measures to suspend sales and recall the items. The company explained that it subsequently revised the design and reproduced the product, with the corrected version being distributed approximately three months later.

Slippers with 'Reversed Color Taegeuk' Sold at Domestic Traditional Markets

Amid these developments, Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University said on the 6th via his social media that he had received multiple reports that slipper accessories featuring reversed Taegeuk pattern colors were being sold at a famous traditional market in Korea. "With Liberation Day approaching, various events are being held on social media, and in the process, Taegeukgi flags with incorrect geon-gon-gam-ri arrangements are being widely used," Professor Seo added.

He pointed out the situation in which Taegeukgi-related products are being incorrectly produced and distributed even within Korea, stating, "When selling products made overseas, merchants must go through a verification process." He also urged that rather than stopping at pointing out errors by foreign brands, Koreans themselves must develop a sense of awareness.

Professor Seo emphasized, "As the Korean Wave spreads globally, special care must be taken when selling products that symbolize the Republic of Korea." With the number of foreign tourists increasing due to the spread of the Korean Wave, voices are calling for greater caution in the production and sale of products related to symbols of the Republic of Korea.