History Teacher Choi Tae-seong Criticizes Baemyeong High Over 5.18 Mockery

Prominent Korean history instructor Choi Tae-seong has voiced strong criticism against members of the Baemyeong High School baseball team for allegedly mocking the May 18th democratization movement. Choi stated he felt profound shame over the incident, urging older generations to seriously consider the direction of education in South Korea.

The controversy erupted during a high school baseball championship game where some Baemyeong High students reportedly directed slogans at their opponents, Gwangju Jeil High School. Phrases such as "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" were allegedly used. Critics pointed out that these slogans evoked associations with a controversial Starbucks Korea event, perceived as belittling the historical significance of the May 18th movement.

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I am so ashamed of myself.

Choi shared images of Baemyeong Hakdang, the predecessor to Baemyeong High School, and its founder, American missionary Henry Appenzeller, on Instagram. He highlighted the school's founding principle of "service." The instructor's remarks underscore a broader concern about historical awareness and respect among younger generations, particularly within educational institutions.

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Shouldn't we, including myself, the older generation, desperately think about where Korean education is heading?