'May 18th mockery' Baejae High ends season with first-round elimination

Baejae High School's baseball team, which recently caused controversy by chanting slogans mocking the May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement, concluded its season after being eliminated in the first round of the 54th Phoenix Flag National High School Baseball Tournament.

The team faced Incheon High School on August 12 at Mokdong Baseball Stadium, losing 5-8. This tournament was the last national competition of the year for the team. Before the game, the players lined up and bowed with their hats off towards the spectators as a sign of apology, and they refrained from cheering loudly during the match.

The game was a close contest, with both teams tied 5-5 until the seventh inning. However, Incheon High School scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning with a series of hits and walks, ultimately securing the victory. Baejae High School could not score additional runs in their subsequent at-bat.

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We learned a lot about how a single word or action before becoming an adult can escalate and harm others. Before the game, I told the players to be careful. I told them not to make inappropriate remarks towards the opponents and to do their best in their respective positions to win.

Following the game, Baejae High School captain Go Hyun-seok (third year) spoke to reporters, stating, "We learned a lot about how a single word or action before becoming an adult can escalate and harm others." He added, "Before the game, I told the players to be careful. I told them not to make inappropriate remarks towards the opponents and to do their best in their respective positions to win."

He continued, "We are very sorry to the players of Gwangju High School and the citizens of Gwangju, and we are also grateful." The team had previously issued an apology to Gwangju High School and visited the May 18th National Cemetery after the incident.

In June, some players from Baejae High School chanted mocking slogans during their game against Gwangju High School in the Cheongryonggi Tournament, including "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day," referencing the May 18th movement. The Korea Baseball Softball Association's Sports Fair Play Committee initially imposed a six-month ban and forfeited the remaining Cheongryonggi tournament games. However, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee's Sports Fair Play Committee reduced the suspension to one month upon review, allowing Baejae High School to participate in the Phoenix Flag tournament.

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We are very sorry to the players of Gwangju High School and the citizens of Gwangju, and we are also grateful.