Gwangju Ilgo Appeals for Leniency Toward Paichai High School Baseball Team Over 'May 18 Disparaging Slogan' Incident

"Instead of Punishing Students, We Should Extend a Hand of Tolerance to Sincere Apologies"

"Players Facing College Entrance Exams Should Not Lose Hope and Must Be Given a Chance to Play Baseball Again"

Gwangju Ilgo High School, the party directly affected by the incident, has appealed for leniency toward the members of the Paichai High School baseball team, who received heavy disciplinary action after shouting slogans that disparaged the May 18 Democratization Movement during a high school baseball tournament.

On the 7th, at the Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial History Hall, Lee Gyuyun, principal of Gwangju High School (from the left), Hong Kyungpyo, president of the Gwangju High School Alumni Association, and Jo Younchae, coach of the Gwangju High School baseball team, held a press conference. Photo by Min Chanki

On July 7, at the Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial History Hall, Gyuyeon Lee, principal of Gwangju Ilgo High School, held a press conference and earnestly requested, "I sincerely ask the Korea Baseball Softball Association and those involved in baseball to gather all possible administrative capabilities and wisdom so that the Paichai High School baseball players can make a fresh start on the field, especially considering the forgiveness and reconciliation shown between the two schools the previous day."

He continued, "I hope that the students, faculty, parents, and alumni of Paichai High School who visited Gwangju Ilgo in person, offered heartfelt apologies, and promised a new beginning, can now lay down the burden on their hearts and quickly return to their daily lives."

Kyungpyo Hong, president of the Gwangju Ilgo Alumni Association, also stated, "The ultimate and uncompromising goal of the Gwangju Ilgo Alumni Association is not to punish young students, but to restore proper education and justice. Branding students who have deeply reflected on their wrongdoing and sincerely sought forgiveness with a scarlet letter is not the path we wish to take."

He also addressed alumni and current students, saying, "Simply accepting an apology and shaking hands in reconciliation is not enough. As those who have been hurt, we should be the first to extend a hand of tolerance so that the Paichai High School baseball players can receive leniency from the relevant authorities, and I urge Ilgo community members to lead the way."

Yoonchae Jo, coach of the Gwangju Ilgo baseball team who guides students on-site, added, "It was very heartbreaking to see the Paichai High School students apologize yesterday. I hope that the adults can show leniency and warmly embrace the players so that those who are facing a six-month suspension right before college entrance do not lose hope and can play baseball again."

Meanwhile, the Paichai High School baseball team, which received a six-month suspension and forfeiture of the Cheongnyonggi championship from the Korea Baseball Softball Association, is currently discussing internally whether to file an appeal before the deadline on July 8.

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