Baejae High School Disciplines Students for 'Starbucks' Chant Mocking Gwangju Uprising

Baejae High School has imposed severe disciplinary measures on two students who initiated a controversial chant during a baseball game, which was widely interpreted as a disrespectful reference to the May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement. The school's disciplinary committee met to address the incident that occurred during the 81st Qinglong Cup National High School Baseball Championship.

Two students who led the chant, reportedly including phrases like "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day," received severe disciplinary action. Ten other students who followed the chant received lighter disciplinary measures. The students involved did not file any appeals against the disciplinary decisions. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education stated that specific disciplinary details would not be disclosed to protect the students' privacy.

In addition to the student sanctions, the school's coaching staff also faced consequences. Four coaches were suspended from their duties. While most have since returned to their roles, the head coach remains suspended. The incident involved students from Baejae High School directing chants towards the dugout of Gwangju Jeil High School during a game at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul.

Following the controversy, all 36 members of the Baejae High School baseball team visited Gwangju Jeil High School to offer an apology. They also paid respects at the National 5·18 Cemetery alongside students from Gwangju Jeil High School. The Korea Sport & Olympic Committee initially imposed a six-month ban on the students but later reduced it to one month.

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We cannot reveal the specific disciplinary levels due to concerns about the students' personal information.