"Let's go, let's go, Starbucks, let's go" Baeja High School, expected not to be prosecuted for 'insult' charges → Gwangju Ilgo: "We do not seek punishment"

*This content was translated by AI.

The case involving allegations of insult against a Baeja High School baseball player who shouted slogans demeaning the the 18th Democratic Uprising during a baseball match against Gwangju Jeil High School (Gwangju Ilgo) is expected to be concluded through reconciliation between the parties, with no further investigation or punishment.

According to reports by NEWSIS and NEWS1, Seoul National Police Agency Chief Park Jeong-bo stated at a regular press conference held on the morning of the 13th regarding the status of the related investigation: "Baeja High School visited Gwangju Ilgo and offered an apology, and the principal of Gwangju Ilgo expressed that they do not seek punishment. It appears the matter will be properly resolved."

Insult is a private prosecution offense, meaning punishment can only proceed if the victim desires it against the perpetrator. The complainant who filed the case with the police has also reportedly indicated their intention to withdraw the complaint. Accordingly, Seoul Yangcheon Police Station, which has been investigating the case, is expected to decide not to prosecute due to lack of grounds for public prosecution.

Earlier, on the afternoon of the 6th around 3 p.m., Baeja High School baseball team members and related officials directly visited Gwangju Ilgo, where they read aloud apology letters issued in the names of the players, coaches, and school staff, respectively, and delivered them.

Through the apology letter, the Baeja High School baseball team stated: "We sincerely apologize to the Gwangju Ilgo players, parents, and citizens of Gwangju for causing deep emotional pain through inappropriate remarks and actions," bowing their heads in remorse.

The baseball team's coach also expressed deep regret, saying: "As a leader responsible for guiding students properly, my responsibility is the greatest. I focused too much on winning or losing and failed to stop the misguided cheers in time. As a leader, I will humbly accept the responsibility that should be borne." The Baeja High School staff also conveyed: "We view this as an incident stemming from a comprehensive collapse of ethical awareness and historical understanding, and we are taking it very seriously."

Gwangju Ilgo accepted the apology. After delivering the apology letter, the Baeja High School players and officials proceeded to visit the National the 18th Democratic Cemetery to pay their respects and pledged to prevent recurrence.

This controversy arose during a match against Gwangju Ilgo at the 81st Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship held on June 29 at Seoul Mokdong Baseball Stadium. Some Baeja High School players were criticized for repeatedly chanting slogans such as "Let's go, let's go. Starbucks, let's go" and "Tank Day," which evoked the the 18th Democratic Uprising, thereby disparaging and mocking the region.

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*This content was translated by AI.