Hong Seok-cheon: "Baeja High School Baseball Team Should Go to Gwangju to Apologize".. Shock Over 'Starbucks, Let's Go' Controversy [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Hong Seok-cheon expressed his thoughts on the controversy surrounding derogatory remarks made by the Baeja High School baseball team against Gwangju.

On the 1st, Hong Seok-cheon posted a post and video titled "My Thoughts on How to Apologize" on his personal account.

In the video, Hong Seok-cheon said, "I couldn't sleep. Let me tell you a story from my childhood. I once saw a news report saying, 'Reds in Gwangju, Jeonnam, started a rebellion and used military force to suppress it.'"

Hong Seok-cheon stated, "I thought that way and was educated that way until I graduated from high school. When I came to Seoul for university, I was shocked. The truth was different." He added, "I was so flustered, and when I faced the truth, and when I faced the pain of Gwangju, I was sad."

He shared, "I remember going to Gwangju when I was a college student. The people living there were so fun and beautiful. They gave me a great gift of happiness."

Hong Seok-cheon revealed, "While watching the news, I heard the cheering of Baeja High School baseball students and was honestly surprised. I thought, 'Shouldn't the students be doing something like that?'"

He said, "That is my opinion. The school should issue an apology statement, and there is no need to explain or make excuses about the situation at that time. I think Baeja High School students should go down to Gwangju, talk to the Gwangju Jeil High School students, apologize, and then return after having a meal with the warm mothers of Gwangju."

He continued, "I believe that is the best way to apologize at that age. I also believe that the Gwangju Jeil High School students will accept that apology. It is important to study history accurately."

Meanwhile, Baeja High School played against Gwangju Jeil High School at the 81st Cheongnyonggi National High School Baseball Championship held at Seoul Mokdong Baseball Stadium on the 29th of last month. However, a scene was captured where some Baeja High School players shouted toward the opposing dugout, "Let's go, let's go, Starbucks, let's go," sparking controversy.

Some pointed out that the slogan recalled the controversy over Starbucks Korea's event that distorted and belittled the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Earlier, Starbucks faced criticism for mocking the May 18 Democratization Movement and the torture-to-death of martyr Park Jong-chul by using phrases such as 'Tank Day' and 'Table's Tak' during a tumbling cup sales event on May 18.

As the controversy grew, the Baeja High School side posted an apology statement through the school's website, stating, "We sincerely apologize for causing deep hurt and disappointment to the Gwangju Jeil High School players, parents, alumni, Gwangju citizens, and many others due to the inappropriate cheering slogans of some student athletes."

Additionally, Baeja High School played against the team Bulkkot Fighters from the web variety content 'Bulkkot Baseball2' at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 7th of last month. The game was broadcast live, and an edited version was scheduled to be released later, but the 'Bulkkot Baseball' production company stated, "We have taken the recent Baeja High School-related issue seriously and have decided not to broadcast the 'Baeja High School' episode scheduled for July 6."

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*This content was translated by AI.