Australian Olympian Jack Robinson was forced to change the design of his board after offending his entire country

Australian Olympian Jack Robinson has been asked to modify the design of his surfboard for his semi-final following complaints from South Korean officials.

Robinson’s brilliant form has seen him into a semi-final against legend Gabriel Medina, with the winner surfing for gold and the loser having a chance of bronze.

However, the lack of waves has forced the event to be postponed until conditions improve.

When he returns to the water, Robinson will have new designs on his surfboard after it was revealed that Korean officials had complained about his previous boards.

The Australian had a red rising sun design on his boards to honour surfing icon Andy Irons, who died suddenly in 2010.

However, the red rising sun design is considered offensive to South Koreans as it reminds them of Japan’s militaristic past and its occupation during World War II.

“I saw his (Robinson’s) post and thought that board couldn’t be used because the Olympics is a purely sporting event,” South Korea’s surfing team manager Song Min told Reuters.

‘Finally, the South Korean Olympic team visited their Australian counterparts and did not see that sign during the Games.’

Robinson (pictured after breaking one of his boards) inadvertently offended South Koreans with his red rising sun design.

Song acknowledged that the Australian wanted to honour his friend, but pointed out how offensive it could be to others.

“But I want to tell people that even if this design is chosen based on personal opinions, it can be embarrassing,” she said.

“It’s not about protests in South Korea, but this is what scars some people, so it should be banned despite freedom of expression.”

Robinson has since covered the designs on his boards, but has yet to comment on the matter publicly.

The final of the surfing competition is expected to take place on Tuesday, with Robinson vying for a spot in the gold medal series.