Baejae High baseball team apologizes for discriminatory chants mocking Gwangju Uprising

The Baejae High School baseball team has issued a heartfelt apology after players were heard shouting discriminatory chants targeting students from Gwangju Jeil High School during a recent baseball game. The team's players, coaches, and school staff have all released separate statements expressing their profound regret for the offensive behavior.

“

We sincerely apologize to the Gwangju Jeil High School players, their parents, and the citizens of Gwangju who have been deeply hurt by the inappropriate remarks and actions of the Baejae High School players on the baseball field, a place that should be filled with dreams and hope.

In their apology, the Baejae High School players acknowledged the pain their actions caused, stating, "We sincerely apologize to the Gwangju Jeil High School players, their parents, and the citizens of Gwangju who have been deeply hurt by the inappropriate remarks and actions of the Baejae High School players on the baseball field, a place that should be filled with dreams and hope." The team's 36 players, along with 80 visiting staff and parents, planned to visit Gwangju Jeil High School to read the apology aloud.

“

As a leader who should have guided and taught the students well, my responsibility is the greatest, and I sincerely apologize.

The baseball team's coach also took responsibility, admitting, "As a leader who should have guided and taught the students well, my responsibility is the greatest, and I sincerely apologize." He acknowledged failing to properly teach respect and sportsmanship, stating, "Focusing only on winning and losing, I failed to immediately identify and stop the wrong cheers, and I know too well that saying so is just an excuse." The coach expressed shame for not setting a proper example and pledged to uphold his responsibilities to prevent future incidents.

“

Focusing only on winning and losing, I failed to immediately identify and stop the wrong cheers, and I know too well that saying so is just an excuse.

Baejae High School's faculty and staff described the incident as a "total collapse of ethical and historical awareness," not just a simple lapse. They recognized that using chants that mocked the May 18th Gwangju Uprising showed a lack of ethical and historical understanding among the school community. The school is currently conducting its own investigation and disciplinary proceedings and will cooperate with external inquiries. The team has already been suspended from competition for six months by the Korea Baseball Softball Association.

“

This incident is seen as a case stemming from a total collapse of ethical and historical awareness, not just a simple lapse or mistake, and we are taking the matter seriously.