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South Korean school baseball chant controversy

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2026-08-13 03:58 UTC → 2026-09-02 05:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In June 2026, Baek Jae High School’s baseball team received a six-month competition ban after chants mocking the May 18 1980 Gwangju democratization movement. The team apologized in early July, visiting Gwangju First High School and the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery with education officials from Seoul and Gwangju. A similar incident occurred at Paichai High School, whose baseball squad was also suspended for six months after chanting a Starbucks-related slogan that referenced the Gwangju uprising; the team later visited the May 18 National Cemetery and the Seoul education office pledged history and human-rights education. Baek Jae (also reported as Baekjae) sought leniency, with victim-family groups urging the Korean Sports Fairness Committee to consider a reduced penalty. On 20 July the sanction was cut to one month, allowing participation in the upcoming Bonghwanggi national tournament. Police dropped criminal investigations after the victim school declined to press charges. The school’s two-hour civic-education session on 22 July was criticized by students for being brief and ineffective. In August, two Baek Jae players received medium-level disciplinary sanctions from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, while ten teammates received lighter penalties. On 12 August, the team returned to official competition at the 54th Bonghwangdaegi National High School Baseball Tournament at Mokdong Baseball Stadium, marking their first game after a 45-day suspension. The team lost 5-8 to Incheon High School, resulting in their elimination and the end of their season. During the match, the team maintained a restrained atmosphere, avoiding loud cheering and bowing to the crowd. The head coach was excluded from the game due to internal disciplinary measures, and the two players involved in the initial controversy were barred from participating.

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