Baejae High School seeks rehearing for baseball suspension over alleged Gwangju Uprising mockery

Baejae High School's baseball team has decided to formally request a rehearing of their six-month national tournament suspension. The disciplinary action was imposed by the Korea Baseball Softball Association's Sports Arbitration Committee following controversial chants made by some players during a game against Gwangju Jeil High School in the 81st Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship.

The chants, reportedly including phrases like "Gotta go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day," were interpreted as mocking references to a controversial "Tank Day" event held by Starbucks Korea and were criticized as regional disparagement. The suspension was handed down on July 1, with Baejae High School having one week to appeal.

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Gotta go to Starbucks

As part of their appeal, Baejae High School will submit the rehearing request under the name of its head coach, along with a petition signed by school faculty members. The school had previously conducted an official apology, with players, staff, and parents visiting Gwangju Jeil High School and paying respects at the National 5.18 Cemetery.

In response, Gwangju Jeil High School has indicated that if the rehearing proceeds, they intend to request leniency from the association, taking into consideration the sincerity of Baejae's apology and remorse. The Sports Arbitration Committee is expected to conduct the rehearing process, with a decision anticipated to take over two months.

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Tank Day