'5·18 Mockery' Baejae High School Baseball Team.. JK Kim Dong-wook Calls It a "Happening" vs. So Jae-won Says It's "Chilling" — Divergent Reactions [Star Issue] [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid growing controversy over the Baejae High School baseball team's cheer slogan "Starbucks, let's go," singer JK Kim Dong-wook and writer So Jae-won expressed sharply contrasting views. JK Kim Dong-wook claimed it was "a happening that occurred while the kids were playing baseball," whereas So Jae-won strongly criticized the act, stating, "They turned the blood shed for democracy into a subject of mockery."

On the 29th, during the match between Gwangju Jeil High School and Baejae High School at the 81st Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship and Weekend League King of Kings Tournament, some Baejae High School student-athletes repeatedly shouted toward the opposing dugout, "Go, go, Starbucks, let's go," sparking controversy.

The slogan was interpreted as a mocking reference to last month's controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's so-called "5·18 Tank Day" event, drawing criticism as a derogatory remark targeting the region.

In response, JK Kim Dong-wook shared his thoughts on the Baejae High School baseball team controversy via his personal account on the 30th.

He posted, "They really got scratched," and added, "Are they going to blow up a happening that occurred while kids were playing baseball? The extreme leftists who are marking coordinates must stop their misdeeds. It's time for this trashy sentiment to disappear."

JK Kim Dong-wook has repeatedly found himself at the center of controversy due to his political statements. Following his active support for President Yoon Suk-yeol after the the 3rd insurrection, he declared his endorsement of People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo in the Lee Beon (President) election. After President Lee Jae-myung was elected, he also unleashed a barrage of remarks targeting the government.

Additionally, during the recent controversy over Starbucks' "5·18 Tank Day" marketing campaign, he also posted a message saying, "If you want to go, go. The choice is free."

In contrast, So Jae-won expressed a reaction directly opposite to JK Kim Dong-wook. On that day, he posted on his personal account, "Did the Baejae High School baseball team only swing bats and throw balls without receiving any historical education?"

So Jae-won stated, "The the 18th incident is by no means something so trivial that it can be used as a subject of mockery. There exists a sacred history where even the gentle warmth of a bright spring day dares not proudly display its brilliance, bowing its head in reverence."

He further remarked, "Just a few decades ago, military boots ruthlessly spilled citizens' blood on this land, and that blood is still etched in the hearts of all Koreans. With the living witnesses of history still alive and watching, to mock them! Is such a thing even conceivable! It is chillingly frightening and sad that the blood shed for democracy could become a subject of mockery for you."

He added, "Live with shame. You must surely reflect on the filthy actions you have committed, and I hope you sincerely apologize and express regret to the fighters watching from above."

Meanwhile, Baejae High School posted an apology letter on its official website regarding the baseball team controversy. The school stated, "We sincerely apologize for causing deep hurt and disappointment to the Gwangju Jeil High School team, parents, alumni, Gwangju citizens, and many others due to the inappropriate cheer slogans of some student-athletes." The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education is currently reviewing an investigation into Baejae High School.

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*This content was translated by AI.