Actor calls for 'Ilbe' removal over historical mockery, hate speech

South Korean actor Han Jeong-soo has publicly called for the complete eradication of the far-right online community 'Ilbe' (Ilgan Best), citing its alleged role in fostering regional prejudice and historical mockery. Han's strong statement comes in response to recent controversies surrounding a high school baseball game, which he believes highlights a broader issue of 'Ilbe' culture negatively influencing young Koreans.

In a social media post, Han urged, "On this occasion, let's completely remove 'Ilbe' from this land, which spreads incorrect historical consciousness and a culture of contempt and mockery to children." He previously criticized the incident on July 30th, stating, "This Baejae High School incident is not just a problem of the children." Han asserted that the "'Ilbe'-style historical mockery and hate that has spread into the daily lives of teenagers and twenty-somethings is ruining the country."

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On this occasion, let's completely remove 'Ilbe' from this land, which spreads incorrect historical consciousness and a culture of contempt and mockery to children.

The controversy Han referenced occurred during the 81st Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship game between Baejae High School and Gwangju Jeil High School on July 29th. Some players from Baejae High School allegedly shouted taunts like "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" towards the opposing dugout. These remarks were seen as reminiscent of recent controversies surrounding Starbucks Korea's "5.18 Tank Day" event and were met with widespread criticism online and offline for regional discrimination and disrespect towards the Gwangju Uprising, a significant event in South Korea's democratization movement.

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This Baejae High School incident is not just a problem of the children. The 'Ilbe'-style historical mockery and hate that has spread into the daily lives of teenagers and twenty-somethings is ruining the country.