Is Baekje High School's Starbucks cheer an expression of freedom? Heo Ji-woong: "Kim Min-jeon and Na Kyung-won must be punished" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Writer and broadcaster Heo Ji-woong expressed anger toward public officials and politicians in connection with the controversy surrounding Baekje High School baseball players who chanted slogans reminiscent of the Starbucks "the 18th Tank Day" debate.

In a lengthy post on the 4th, Heo Ji-woong stated, "Baekje High School's baseball team was disciplined for hate speech during a game in accordance with regulations. Someone posted comments claiming this amounts to 'the 18th becoming a sacred zone' and 'a North Korea-like appearance.' Lee Byeong-tae (President), vice chairman of the Presidential Committee on Regulatory Rationalization, made these remarks. The Blue House announced on Saturday that it issued a stern warning and strongly requested prevention of recurrence." He continued, "After such a stern warning, I searched extensively for any other words I might have missed. There were none. This is the end. I want to draw a line. This is unacceptable!"

He further added, "This is why all Koreans treat Honam with disregard and discrimination, treating them like pickled radish. Regardless, since I am not part of that group, I can politely ignore such hate speech. Because they are not equal citizens, I can look down on them with compassion, feeling sorry yet weary of the controversy. Without self-censorship, one can say anything about Gwangju and Honam and simply find it amusing or entertaining. The principle that hate speech does not fall under freedom of expression is accepted as casually as 'the sky is blue and eating makes you full,' regardless of whether one agrees or disagrees."

Heo Ji-woong emphasized, "Lee Byeong-tae's words are vile. Baekje High School players' remarks constitute hate speech. Lee Byeong-tae's comments promote and recommend hatred. They are essentially endorsements. As explained in my previous post, such remarks by public officials and politicians have fostered regional hatred. Some argue that if you scratch, you get scratched back, so why stop this 'joyful' behavior? This has degenerated into a national pastime." He stressed, "Hate speech has nothing to do with freedom of expression. However, individuals like Lee Byeong-tae flatten and blur this clear boundary. They wrap hate speech in the guise of upholding principles, loudly advocating that it is permissible. They are sowing seeds of hatred."

He also stated, "These individuals must face the strongest punishment. Whether it involves Starbucks, Jung Yong-jin, Baekje High School, or others, they can all be left aside. Individuals are not the issue. Setting an example through public outrage will not resolve this; it only fuels further backlash. Lee Byeong-tae, Kim Min-jeon, Jeong Jeom-sik, Na Kyung-won, and Park Sang-ung (Rep.) must be punished. Unless we silence politicians and public officials, this hatred can never be stopped."

Previously, Heo Ji-woong addressed the Baekje High School Starbucks cheer controversy by stating, "What Gwangju needs is not pity, sympathy, or support—it is recognition. Recognition as equal citizens." He added, "May's Gwangju and Jeollanam-do remain objects of mockery. Children who do not understand history consume them as memes. If you try to stop them, they view it as suppression. Even without context, Gwangju is seen as an inherent underdog."

He further pointed out, "Mocking Gwangju carries no consequences. There are also sarcastic remarks suggesting that since Gwangju has endured for so long, it can continue to endure—but what if it refuses? For a long time, Gwangju was either met with slogans or mockery. It was never treated as an equal."

Meanwhile, earlier this month, some Baekje High School baseball players drew public criticism after chanting "Let's go to Starbucks" toward the opposing dugout during a match against Gwangju Jeil High School at Seoul Mokdong Stadium on the 29th of last month, as part of the 81st Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship and Weekend League King of Kings Tournament.

In response, Gwangju Jeil High School lodged a formal protest through the umpires, who warned Baekje High School. Baekje High School issued an apology statement, and it is reported that the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education launched an investigation while the Korea Baseball and Softball Association is reviewing disciplinary measures.

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*This content was translated by AI.