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[Breaking] Baejae High School Baseball Team Suspended from National Tournaments for 6 Months Over 5·18 Mockery Chant Controversy

The Sports Fair Commission announced that it has resolved to suspend the Baejae High School baseball team from participating in national tournaments for six mon

Wooil Shim
Staff Reporter
3 min read
[Breaking] Baejae High School Baseball Team Suspended from National Tournaments for 6 Months Over 5·18 Mockery Chant Controversy
CBC News

The Sports Fair Commission announced that it has resolved to suspend the Baejae High School baseball team from participating in national tournaments for six months. This is a heavy disciplinary action taken in response to an incident during the Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship, where players chanted slogans evoking the May 18 Democratization Movement against Gwangju Il High School. The commission determined that the players' inappropriate cheering during the game undermined the spirit of sports and caused social controversy.

The controversy began when a video of Baejae High School players chanting phrases such as "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" from the dugout during the Cheongryonggi tournament spread online. The expressions were criticized for potentially mocking or belittling the May 18 Democratization Movement, sparking intense debate within the baseball community and online over the student athletes' historical awareness and sportsmanship.

It was reported that Gwangju Il High School immediately protested the chants during the game. After the match, the Baejae High School head coach and a parents' representative reportedly visited Gwangju Il High School in person to deliver an apology.

Subsequently, the Korea Baseball Softball Association launched an investigation to verify the facts and initiate disciplinary proceedings. Following a review by the Sports Fair Commission, the decision was finalized to restrict the Baejae High School baseball team from participating in national tournaments for six months.

This decision is expected to prompt further discussions on the cheering culture, player education, and the need to strengthen historical awareness in high school sports.

Wooil Shim
Staff Reporter

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