A banner reading “Victory will be ours” in Russian hangs on the exterior wall of the Russian Embassy in Korea in Jung District, central Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Park Ung
The Russian Embassy in Seoul’s banner on its exterior wall reading “Victory will be ours” has raised eyebrows. It remains in place despite a South Korean government request to remove it, adding strain to already tense ties between Seoul and Moscow.
The banner’s appearance coincides with Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day — a holiday honoring the armed forces — on Monday and the fourth anniversary of its invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday.
Koreans voiced discomfort over the banner, as the Korean government has regarded Russia’s invation of Ukraine as illegal and shown deep concerns over increasing military ties between Russia and North Korea.
“It’s very rude and should be taken down immediately,” said Ha Jun-soo, a 26-year-old university student. “The Russian Embassy’s inaction despite the South Korean government’s response is deeply offensive.”
Ha added that South Korea’s defensive foreign policy may have emboldened Russia and that the incident should prompt a more assertive stance.
Kim Ho-nyeon, a 40-year-old office worker, said the government was right to protest but urged patience, noting the embassy may need time to report to Moscow and follow procedures.
“We should wait two or three days. If it’s still up, we should keep demanding its removal,” Kim said.
A banner reading “Victory will be ours” in Russian hangs on the exterior wall of the Russian Embassy in Korea in Jung District, central Seoul, as a Russian flag flies outside the building, Sunday. Yonhap
The controversy came amid rising tensions between Seoul and Moscow over South Korea’s potential cooperation with NATO and recent remarks by Russia’s ambassador to Seoul praising North Korean troops.
Source: Korea Times News
