Gwangju Jeil High coach: Players shocked by mocking chant, proud they endured

The coach of Gwangju Jeil High School's baseball team, Jo Yun-chae, revealed that his players were deeply affected by a controversial cheering song used by Baejae High School during a recent game. The song, which included the phrase "Let's go to Starbucks," has been widely criticized for mocking the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.

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There was shock, honestly.

Jo explained in a radio interview that he did not hear the specific chant clearly from the dugout but was alerted by his assistant coach. He immediately requested the umpire to issue a warning or ejection to the opposing team. Despite the provocation, Jo focused on calming his players, urging them to concentrate on finishing the game rather than engaging in an argument.

"Honestly, there was shock," Jo said when asked about his players' reaction. He acknowledged that the ongoing controversy and media attention have disrupted their training. However, he has been working to keep the team focused on their practice. Jo also expressed hope for a resolution that would allow both schools, recognized as prestigious institutions, to move past the incident.

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I told them after the game that I was very grateful and proud that they finished the game well despite hearing such things from the opposing team.

Following the game, Jo commended his players for their resilience. "I told them after the game that I was very grateful and proud that they finished the game well despite hearing such things from the opposing team," he stated. He emphasized his desire for amateur baseball to uphold the spirit of fair play and for cheering to be directed solely at supporting one's own team, without demeaning or hurting opponents. Jo urged coaches to instill these values in their players.

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I hope that amateur baseball will be played cleanly, with fair play, and that cheering will be solely for one's own team, without demeaning or hurting the opposing team.