JK Kim Dong-wook: "Do not trample the children's future" — Support for Paichai High School Starbucks incident [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer JK Kim Dong-wook continued to express support for Paichai High School amid controversy over alleged mockery of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by the school's baseball players chanting "Let's go, Starbucks."

On the 4th, JK Kim Dong-wook stated, "Paichai, fighting," adding, "Everyone makes mistakes in life. But is it right to crush the futures of children who are still growing and impose disciplinary actions while creating political scapegoats? Even if they come out and clear the bench or get beaten up, they won't be suspended for six months."

He continued, "Apologize to each other and approach the game with a good heart. The more you cause a commotion, the more the public will feel resentment. Is sending flowers to the school what should be done? Even as someone without children, thinking of parents' feelings makes my heart ache. Wake up! And do not use the children for politics!!"

Previously, on June 30, JK Kim Dong-wook addressed the Paichai High School Starbucks mockery controversy by saying, "They really got scratched," and added, "Is this how you turn a minor incident during children's baseball into something big? The extreme leftists who set coordinates must stop their atrocities. They are trash that should disappear."

JK Kim Dong-wook has consistently voiced support for President Yoon Suk-yeol and continued to offer sharp criticism of the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Recently, regarding the controversy over Starbucks Korea's "May 18 Tank Day" marketing campaign, JK Kim Dong-wook publicly expressed support by posting a message stating, "If you want to go, go. It's your choice."

Born in 1975, JK Kim Dong-wook is known as a Korean-Canadian despite being active in Korea. He has directly stated, "I was born in Samyang-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul; attended Gongeong Elementary School, Hagi Middle School, and dropped out of the second year at Daejin High School before immigrating to Canada." As a result, he acquired Canadian citizenship, was exempted from military service obligations, and has no voting rights in Korea.

Previously, on June 29, Paichai High School faced controversy during its match against Gwangju Jeil High School (hereinafter referred to as Gwangju Il-go) at Seoul Mokdong Baseball Stadium in the 81st Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship and Weekend League King of Kings Tournament. As they were on the verge of a seventh-inning cold-game victory, some players repeatedly chanted slogans such as "Let's go, let's go, Starbucks, let's go" and "Tank Day."

This incident drew public outrage because the chants resembled those from May 18, when Starbucks Korea sparked controversy over its tumbling sales event by using phrases like "Tank Day" and "Desk's Tack," allegedly mocking the May 18 Democratic Uprising and the torture-related death of activist Park Jong-chul.

At the time, the Gwangju Jeil High School coach immediately lodged a strong protest with the umpires, who also stepped in to mediate.

The controversy resurfaced after broadcast footage of the game was released. Notably, Paichai High School had appeared on SBS Plus' "Special Bulkkot Baseball Live Broadcast" held at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 7th, where they faced off against the "Bulkkot Fighters," and were under scrutiny as their main broadcast was approaching.

Immediately, Paichai High School issued an official apology stating, "We sincerely apologize for causing deep hurt and disappointment to Gwangju Jeil High School players, parents, alumni, Gwangju citizens, and many others due to the inappropriate cheer slogans by some student athletes." They added, "This cheer violated the spirit of sportsmanship that requires respect for opposing schools and local communities. It lacked historical significance and respect for the community." The school further announced that it would refer the involved students to the Student Life Education Committee for strict disciplinary action in accordance with school regulations and implement special education on sportsmanship, human rights sensitivity, and player ethics for all members of the baseball team.

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*This content was translated by AI.