Police are expected to close the case by deciding not to refer Paejae High School baseball team members to prosecutors over chants that appeared to mock the May 18 Democratization Movement, in what has become known as the "Paejae High School incident."
Park Jeong-bo, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said at a regular briefing on the morning of the 13th regarding the investigation into the baseball team member's alleged insult, "Gwangju Jeil High School (Gwangju Ilgo), the victim, expressed that it does not wish punishment," adding, "Because insult is a crime that cannot be punished if the victim does not want punishment, it seems it will be wrapped up that way." He added, "The person who filed the petition said they will submit a petition withdrawal."
Earlier, on the 29th during a game, Paejae High School baseball team members chanted slogans toward Gwangju Ilgo players such as "You gotta go, you gotta go, gotta go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day." As the game broadcast video spread through online communities and social media (SNS), criticism poured in that they disparaged the May 18 Democratization Movement.
The chants were reportedly borrowed from the "Tank Day" promotion that Starbucks Korea ran on May 18, which stirred controversy.
However, police are separately continuing an investigation into allegations that the Starbucks promotion insulted merit awardees and others related to the May 18 Democratization Movement. Park, the Commissioner, said, "We received audit materials and forensic data from Shinsegae Group and are analyzing them, and we are also questioning related persons according to procedure."
In addition, regarding the collapse of the Seosomun overpass, about 50 people have been questioned, and the investigation has been expanded not only to the construction contractor and supervisor but also to agencies with responsibility for managing and overseeing the project. On the possibility of questioning Seoul City officials, Park, the Commissioner, said, "We will do so if necessary."
On the investigation into HYBE Chair Bang Si-hyuk's alleged fraudulent trading, Park said, "Once the supplementary investigation is completed, we will decide whether to seek custody." Regarding speculation that prosecutors demanded a change of charges, he said, "We have not received an official proposal. We will decide in consultation with prosecutors after the supplementary investigation."
Also, regarding the "law distortion crime" cases, a total of 175 complaints and accusations have been received, of which 75 have been closed through non-referral, dismissal, or transfer, and 100 are currently investigating.