Baejae baseball team faces discipline over 'Starbucks' taunt

The Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Baejae High School following an incident during a national high school baseball championship where players used offensive cheers targeting Gwangju Jeil High School. The KBSA will convene its Sports Arbitration Committee to address the matter, which is being treated as a violation of sportsmanship and a cause of social controversy.

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Our students could be deeply hurt by this incomprehensible mockery.

During the game on May 29th, some Baejae High School players chanted "Let's go to Starbucks, let's go" towards the Gwangju Jeil High School dugout. This chant is widely seen as a mockery of a recent controversy involving Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' marketing campaign, which was criticized for trivializing the May 18th Gwangju Uprising and regional sentiment. Gwangju Jeil High School officials protested immediately, leading to a warning from the umpire and subsequent reports to the KBSA.

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The students committed a grave mistake, and the adults who failed to educate them bear significant responsibility.

Baejae High School has issued a public apology, acknowledging the significant hurt caused to Gwangju Jeil High School's players, parents, alumni, and the citizens of Gwangju. The school stated that the students involved will face disciplinary action through the student guidance committee, and all baseball team members will undergo special training focused on sportsmanship, human rights awareness, and ethics. The KBSA confirmed it has received reports and will conduct a thorough investigation, including examining the responsibility of coaches and management, before the Sports Arbitration Committee decides on potential sanctions.

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Given that a report has been filed, we plan to review the matter strictly, including issues of team management responsibility.