Asnatuarnddaydfercighint Rising Sun row

Singer sorry to offended fans

SINGER Anne-marie has apologised to fans who were “hurt” by Ant and Dec’s “offensive” Rising Sun headbands in a Saturday Night Takeaway sketch.

The flag is seen as a symbol of Japan’s imperial past and is so offensive in South Korea an MP there compared it to a swastika.

On Saturday, Anne-marie, 28, a karate champion, performed Ciao Adios as Ant and Dec did martial arts moves behind her, wearing Rising Sun headbands.

Yesterday, Anne-marie, who is popular in South Korea, said: “I sincerely apologise to all those who were affected and hurt by my appearance last night on UK TV.

“I want you to know I had nothing to do with the costumes on this sketch. Education on this part of the history wasn’t done and I am also hurt by the pain this signifies for so many people.

“Our team is talking to the TV station, working on taking down the footage.”

A spokesman for ITV said: “We apologise for any offence caused. We have taken steps to re-edit that part of the episode for the Hub and for repeat broadcasts.”

Japan occupied Korea and part of China in the 20th century under the Rising Sun military flag.

South Korean MP An Min-suk said last year: “The Rising Sun flag is akin to a symbol of the devil to Asians and Koreans, just like how the swastika is a symbol of Nazis.”

South Korea asked for the flag to be banned from this year’s Tokyo Olympics, but to no avail.