South Korean school apologizes for Starbucks-themed cheer linked to Gwangju Uprising

Baejae High School has issued a formal apology after some of its players used a cheer referencing Starbucks, which sparked controversy for allegedly mocking the 5.18 Gwangju Uprising. The incident occurred during a national high school baseball championship game between Baejae High and Gwangju Jeil High. Some Baejae players were heard shouting "Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go to Starbucks" towards the opposing dugout. Critics connected the cheer to a recent Starbucks Korea promotion that faced backlash for its perceived insensitivity towards the historic pro-democracy movement.

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We sincerely apologize for deeply hurting and disappointing the players, parents, alumni of Gwangju Jeil High School, and many others in Gwangju, due to the inappropriate cheer by some student athletes.

The controversy escalated during the game at Mokdong Baseball Stadium. The Gwangju Jeil High coaching staff immediately protested to the umpires. One coach reportedly shouted angrily at the opposing players, "Stop it, why are you going to Starbucks, you bastards?" The situation was eventually de-escalated by the umpires.

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The cheer was a very inappropriate action that violated sportsmanship and showed a lack of respect for the historical significance of the Gwangju Uprising and the local community.

In its apology, Baejae High School stated, "We sincerely apologize for deeply hurting and disappointing the players, parents, alumni of Gwangju Jeil High School, and many others in Gwangju, due to the inappropriate cheer by some student athletes." The school acknowledged the cheer was a "very inappropriate action" that violated sportsmanship and showed a lack of respect for the historical significance of the Gwangju Uprising and the local community.

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We will strictly handle the student athletes who made the cheer according to school rules and procedures through the student life education committee.

The school plans to refer the involved players to a disciplinary committee for strict action according to school rules. Additionally, the entire baseball team will undergo special education on sportsmanship, human rights awareness, community spirit, and athlete ethics. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has indicated it is considering an investigation into the matter.

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We will conduct special education for all baseball team members on sportsmanship, human rights awareness, community spirit, and athlete ethics.