Assemblyman Lee Gaeho: "Baseball Team That Mocked 5·18 Should Face Possible Disbandment"

Exposing the Grim Reality of "Ilbe Play"
Anti-Historical Hate Act... Calls for Strict Punishment

In response to the controversy over members of the Paichai High School baseball team mocking the Gwangju 5·18 Democratization Movement, National Assemblyman Gaeho Lee (representing Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong in Gwangju Special City, Jeollanam-do) has called for strong measures, even mentioning the possibility of disbanding the school's baseball team.

Assemblyman Lee issued a statement, saying, "Education authorities and relevant tournament organizations must hold those involved strictly accountable for this anti-historical act of hatred that ridiculed the history of democracy."

He continued, "On June 29, during the National High School Baseball Tournament, Paichai High School players openly mocked the 5·18 Democratization Movement during a game against Gwangju Il High School by chanting slogans such as 'Let's go to Starbucks' and 'Tank Day.' This was a malicious form of mockery that borrowed from a past corporate marketing controversy and reveals the grim reality of the so-called 'Ilbe Play' that has spread among teenagers," he criticized.

Lee Gaeho

He further stated, "Korean democracy was built upon the blood and sacrifice of the citizens of Gwangju, and the foundation that allows students today to freely play sports and live as they do is also the result of such sacrifice. Mocking this is not merely a prank or deviation—it is an act of violence that damages the very foundations of democracy."

Assemblyman Lee also pointed out that this controversy may not be a one-off issue limited to a single school.

He said, "There have been testimonies that similar mockery was repeatedly observed during games with other schools such as Dongsung High School and Jinheung High School, and at the Hwanggeum Lion Flag Tournament, a player from Chungam High School even disparaged Gwangju by calling it the 'cradle of insurrection.' Education authorities must thoroughly investigate whether this anti-historical culture of hatred is prevalent among some school athletic teams."

He added, "This incident should not be dismissed as simply the misbehavior of a few students during a game, nor should it be conveniently covered up. Since this is clearly school violence and a grave insult to the history of democracy, there must be strict disciplinary action against the students involved and effective measures to prevent recurrence."

In particular, Assemblyman Lee emphasized, "To eradicate these recurring anti-historical acts of hatred, the possibility of disbanding the school's baseball team must be seriously considered. All similar yet unexposed cases must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be held strictly accountable."

Meanwhile, as allegations that some players used expressions mocking the 5·18 Democratization Movement during the National High School Baseball Tournament have surfaced, the controversy is spreading throughout the local community and political circles. With growing social awareness regarding acts that deny or mock the historical significance of the 5·18 movement, there is increasing attention on the response from educational and baseball authorities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.