Broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon has stated that students from the Paejae High School baseball team should visit Gwangju to apologize for mocking the May 18 Gwangju Uprising during a high school baseball tournament.
On July 1, Hong expressed his surprise on social media, saying, "Honestly, I was shocked when I saw the news. I thought students shouldn't behave that way." He added, "Rather than issuing an apology through the school, I hope the Paejae High School baseball team goes to Gwangju, speaks with the students of Gwangju Jeil High School, and apologizes directly."
He continued, "I believe that is the best way for them to apologize at their age. I trust that the students of Gwangju Jeil High School would accept that apology. History must be studied accurately."
According to Yonhap News, during a match against Gwangju Jeil High School at the 81st Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship held on June 29 in Mokdong, Seoul, Paejae High School students shouted slogans toward the opposing dugout, including, "Let's go, let's go, we need to go to Starbucks." One student also shouted, "Tank Day" loudly.
This incident recalled a recent controversy when Starbucks Korea faced public outrage for promoting a tumbler discount event on the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, using phrases like '5.18 Tank Day' and 'Tap on the Desk.'
Paejae High School students claimed in an internal investigation that one member had added 'Starbucks' to an existing cheer, prompting the others to spontaneously join in. Following the incident, Paejae High School posted an apology on social media, and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has launched an investigation, but the controversy continues to escalate.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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