Why do Korean protesters wave American flags?

“SEATTLE — As protests over South Korea's ballot shortage controversy continue, many foreign observers are asking an unusual question: Why are American flags being waved at a protest over a Korean election? Images from the demonstrations show participants carrying U.S. flags alongside South Korean national flags, renewing a long-running debate over the symbolism of the Stars and Stripes in Korean politics. The question has surfaced across social media platforms including Reddit, X and Threads, where expatriates and international observers have debated why a foreign flag has become a recurring feature at some Korean political rallies. "It's so bizarre seeing so many American flags," one user wrote. "It's not really about America," one commenter responded, arguing that the flag has come to symbolize anti-communism and conservative political identity in South Korea. Others pointed to the history of the U.S.-South Korea alliance and the Korean War, saying the flag has long been associated with support for the alliance and opposition to North Korea. Several commenters said the symbolism has ev

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