The Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA) handed down a heavy penalty of a six-month ban from national tournaments to the Paejae High School baseball team, which sparked controversy for a cheering chant that mocked the May 18 Democratization Movement, and debate is continuing in and outside the education and sports communities.
Some say it is an unavoidable measure to raise awareness about historical distortion and hate speech, while others argue it is excessive as a punishment that directly harms the student athletes' futures.
According to the education community on the 2nd, the Korea Baseball Softball Association convened the Sports Fairness Committee the previous day and decided on a six-month ban from national tournaments for the Paejae High School baseball team. The decision was based on Article 31, Paragraph 3, "Disciplinary action for disorderly conduct," of the Sports Fairness Committee regulations, the most severe level under the standard.
During the first round of the Blue Dragon Flag tournament against Gwangju Jeil High School at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 29th of last month, the Paejae High School team shouted chants such as "Gotta go, gotta go, gotta go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day." As the game broadcast spread through online communities and social media (SNS), criticism poured in that it disparaged the May 18 Democratization Movement.
◇ "Not something to dismiss as a joke… it should be a chance for education on history"
Given that hate expressions originating from far-right online communities are consumed like play both in and out of classrooms, some say this penalty could serve as an opportunity to remind students of the importance of historical awareness.
High school teacher A, 29, said, "Only a heavy penalty like a six-month suspension will make them realize the seriousness and stay alert," adding, "Among some students, 'Ilbe-style terms' and expressions are consumed like a culture, and this should be an opportunity to properly recognize why such expressions are problematic."
Elementary school teacher B, 32, also said, "The May 18 Democratization Movement is a historical fact taught even in elementary school, so this sanction is appropriate," adding, "Historical awareness and community spirit are important virtues, so for these students, showing sufficient reflection and self-restraint should come before debating the level of discipline."
Yun, 20, who played on a middle school baseball team, said, "Baseball team cheering can sometimes get intense," but added, "Given that the coach did not stop the over-the-line cheering through the eighth inning, it's possible this happened frequently, and this should be a chance not only for Paejae High School but for a broader change in high school baseball cheering culture."
Online communities also showed support for the association's heavy penalty. Comments included, "We must not dismiss historical distortion or hate speech as a simple joke," "Even student athletes must take responsibility for misconduct," and "As the saying goes, 'Old habits die hard,' strong sanctions are needed for reflection."
◇ "It was wrong, but… a punishment that blocks the players' futures is harsh"
While it is true that Paejae High School student athletes behaved inappropriately, some say the level of punishment is overly high considering their career paths. Under the Sports Fairness Committee's decision, Paejae High School was eliminated by forfeit in the second round of the Blue Dragon Flag. They also cannot enter major national tournaments such as the Presidential Cup in July and the Bonghwangdae in Aug.
In particular, third-year players have lost opportunities to compete in major tournaments ahead of the 2027 KBO rookie draft. For high school players, national tournaments are key stages to showcase their skills to professional club scouts and university officials. Separate disciplinary measures for the Paejae High School manager, coaches, and individual players are also under discussion.
An official at a pro baseball club said, "Skill comes first when selecting rookies, but of course we don't choose based on that alone," adding, "This controversy alone could work against the players."
Kim, 36, an office worker who played on a high school baseball team, said, "These students likely prepared for years dreaming of becoming pro baseball players, and the punishment seems harsh compared to the degree of wrongdoing."
Kim, 18, a student at a high school near Paejae High School, also said, "It's true the student athletes were wrong, but I think educational sanctions such as community service or completing history education are more appropriate than barring them from playing the game itself."
◇ Gwangju Jeil High School manager says "we must educate them to play baseball fairly"
After appearing before the Sports Fairness Committee the previous day, Gwangju Jeil High School manager Jo Yun-chae said, "There have been some critical or mocking cheers, but never like this," adding, "Coaches must continue educating them so they can play baseball fairly even when they go pro."
Jo, however, cautioned against excessive criticism of the student athletes. "They are students first, and this has become too big an issue right now, so I hope it is resolved well," Jo said, adding, "They're kids."