US embassy silent over abuse of flags

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul is keeping mum over conservative protesters waving American flags at their rallies in support of the ousted President Park Geun-hye.

It has not even asked organizers of the rallies to stop using the flags, according to embassy officials, Friday.

An embassy official said the embassy has not had a “particular view” over the flags appearing at protests before and after Park was removed from office.

“As far as I understand, the embassy also does not have any plans to comment on this issue in the future,” the official said.

But some Koreans do not understand why the embassy is taking no action against the protesters abusing the U.S. flags. This could give the impression it is supporting their rallies.

The protesters, many of them in their 60s or older, have brought out the U.S. flags along with South Korean flags at their rallies in what are seen as efforts to underscore their patriotism.

They alleged Park’s removal may lead to a change of government falling into the hands of North Korea-sympathizing liberals.