"I Feel Sorry, Ashamed, and Grateful" Jin Jongoh Urges Reconsideration of Baejae High School's Six-Month Suspension

Baejae High School Baseball Team Offers Personal Apology to Gwangju Ilgo

Jin Jongoh: "Reconciliation and Education Should Take Precedence Over Punishment"

Jin Jong-oh, a member of the People Power Party and Olympic gold medalist in shooting, commented on the Baejae High School baseball team’s apology visit to Gwangju Ilgo High School, stating, "Admitting one’s mistake is never easy," and adding, "I feel sorry, ashamed, and grateful."

On July 7, Assemblyman Jin wrote on his Facebook page, "Baejae High School’s apology should not be an attempt to cover up their wrongdoing, but rather the first step towards restoring trust," expressing his thoughts.

Jin Jong-oh, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Previously, the Baejae High School baseball team sparked controversy during the Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship by shouting mocking cheers such as "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" from their dugout towards the opposing Gwangju Ilgo High School players. The Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA) notified Baejae High School of a six-month suspension from competition on June 29 for this incident. After news broke that the Baejae High School baseball team had visited Gwangju Ilgo High School in person to apologize, Assemblyman Jin commented, "Admitting and apologizing for mistakes is never easy."

He especially praised Gwangju Ilgo High School for accepting Baejae High School’s apology, saying it "resonated even more deeply." Assemblyman Jin added, "Instead of focusing solely on the other party’s wrongdoing, they chose reconciliation and growth for the future. As a senior athlete, as an adult in our society, and as a politician, I feel sorry and ashamed."

Assemblyman Jin also stressed that this matter should not become centered on punishment and retribution. He said, "Political controversy or punishment will never lead to educational recovery," and urged the KBSA to reconsider the six-month suspension imposed on the Baejae High School baseball team. He further stated, "I ask once again that you respond beautifully to Baejae High School’s sincere apology and to the forgiveness extended by Gwangju Ilgo High School, which had an even greater impact."

During the game against Gwangju Ilgo High School, students from Seoul Baeje High School baseball team (left) who caused a controversy by shouting the cheer "Let's go to Starbucks" visited Gwangju Jeil High School in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeonnam on the afternoon of the 6th to apologize. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, when the disciplinary action was first announced, Assemblyman Jin also pointed out that the behavior of the Baejae High School baseball team students was "indefensible," but described the severity of the suspension as "harsh." He emphasized, "A six-month suspension for a youth athlete could jeopardize their chances of entering college and affect their entire baseball career. The true role of adults in our society is not unconditional punishment, but helping students reflect on their mistakes and grow in the right direction."

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