Education Minister slams high school baseball players for mocking Gwangju Uprising with regional slurs

South Korean Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin has strongly condemned an incident where high school baseball players from Baejae High School in Seoul allegedly used regional slurs and mocked the May 18th Gwangju Uprising against players from Gwangju Jeil High School. The incident occurred during a recent national high school baseball championship.

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It is truly regrettable that not only simple mockery but also support that belittles the May 18th democratization movement and disparages the region was unfiltered in the high school sports scene.

Choi described the behavior as "truly regrettable," stating it was not mere mockery but an instance of "distorted historical perception and regional disparagement" displayed on the sports field. He emphasized that students, especially aspiring athletes, must prioritize character and dignity over mere skill. "Players who have a distorted view of history and incite social conflict through their actions are unqualified as elite athletes," Choi stated on his Facebook page.

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What students and athletes must learn first is not skill, but dignity.

The minister highlighted that sports are built on the foundation of fair competition, and that regional discrimination, racism, and hate speech undermine this principle. He acknowledged that the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education is investigating the exact circumstances of the incident. Choi also pointed to the significant responsibility of coaches and adults in shaping students' behavior, stressing that education involves teaching not just knowledge and skills but also essential human etiquette and attitudes.

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Players who have a distorted view of history and incite social conflict through their actions are unqualified as elite athletes.

The controversy stemmed from Baejae High players chanting "Let's go to Starbucks" at their opponents, referencing a recent public outcry over Starbucks Korea's promotional slogan for the May 18th anniversary. A chant of "Tank Day" was also reportedly heard. The education ministry plans to use this incident as an opportunity to review and improve support for student athletes and school sports teams, ensuring they develop both athletic prowess and dignified character.

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The reason for prohibiting regional discrimination, racism, and hate speech in sports is that they harm fair competition, which is the value that underlies sports.