Harim, criticizes Baejae High School's condolence wreath over 'Starbucks' controversy: "Terrible things done with flowers" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid controversy surrounding Baejae High School's baseball team for mocking chants reminiscent of the the 18th Democratic Uprising, singer Harim voiced criticism over a condolence wreath placed in front of the school.

On the 6th, Harim wrote on Instagram: "Since some time ago, a bizarre culture has emerged where political attacks are made through condolence wreaths. The malicious intent is to ruin the recipient's feelings by evoking death." He added, "The ribbons on the wreaths are like 'offline comments' left exposed on the street. These days, they even set up plastic blocks that aren't even flowers."

He continued, "For a very long time, humans have offered flowers to soothe sorrows that words cannot express or to confess love that could not be conveyed. In the past, there were those who placed flowers in violent gun barrels to speak of peace. Above all, like cherry blossoms that bloom every spring, flowers have always sided with the living." He pointed out, "It is said that such wreaths have been lined up at Baejae High School over the past few days. Who sends a condolence wreath in front of children's school? The same applies to supportive wreaths sent to ride on political issues. Flowers are not meant to be used as weapons."

He remarked, "How did the solemn word 'condolences,' once used only at pure mourning sites for the deceased, degenerate into a term to mock the living today? Regardless of what wrong anyone has committed, how must children feel as they walk to school through the remnants of such hatred? Won't everything seem scary, unpleasant, and hateful? Are we afraid that children will unconsciously learn that the world is originally a place where people hate each other? Extremism and radicalism are created by such hatred seeping into daily life."

He added, "Flowers filling the streets are ultimately a sad proof that our society's emotions have become so dry. Flowers weaponized to harm others are no longer flowers. Before we too become accustomed to this way of hatred, I hope we can recover the minimum dignity needed to protect beautiful things as beautiful."

Meanwhile, earlier, some student-athletes from Baejae High School's baseball team caused controversy by chanting "Let's go to Starbucks" toward the opposing dugout during a match against Gwangju Jeil High School at Mokdong Stadium in Seoul 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 protest through the umpires, who warned Baejae High School. The school issued an apology statement, and it is reported that the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education launched an investigation while the Korea Baseball Softball Association is reviewing disciplinary measures. Additionally, on the 6th, Baejae High School visited Gwangju to formally apologize.

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*This content was translated by AI.