'King Role Specialist' Lim Ho Visits Gwangju Amid Baejae High School Controversy: "I Deeply Feel Responsibility as a Senior"

Visited as President of the Baejae Alumni Association
Apology Delivered with Over 80 Students and Faculty Members

Actor Lim Ho (left) and baseball team students from Paejae High School paying their respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeollanam-do on the 6th. Photo by Gemstone Film·Yonhap News

Actor Lim Ho recently visited Gwangju with junior students from his alma mater, who were involved in controversy over the so-called "Starbucks cheer" during a high school baseball game, and offered a formal apology.

On July 6, Lim Ho issued an apology on behalf of the Paejae Alumni Association, stating, "The students' actions were clearly wrong," and added, "The responsibility for not preventing this and for failing to instill proper values also lies with the school and the alumni seniors."

Im Ho Apology. Screenshot from Mudeung Daily

He continued, "Today, the school is visiting Gwangju Jeil High School to offer a sincere apology, and I am truly grateful for your generosity in accepting this visit."

Paejae High School Baseball Team Visits Gwangju to Apologize...Pays Respects at the May 18 Democratic Cemetery

On the same day, Lim Ho, as president of the Paejae High School Alumni Association, visited Gwangju Jeil High School in person with the baseball team students. About 80 people, including students, faculty, and parents, attended and held an official apology in the auditorium. All attendees bowed their heads to express their apology, and the event reportedly took place in a solemn atmosphere.

Afterward, the group visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, where they paid their respects and reflected on the historical significance of the May 18 Democratization Movement.

On the 6th, students from Gwangju Jeil High School and Paejae High School paid their respects at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News.

Gwangju Baseball Team Mocked with 'May 18 Taunt' at High School Tournament

The controversy arose during the 81st Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship held recently at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul. At that time, some Paejae High School players chanted toward the opposing team, Gwangju Jeil High School's dugout, shouting, "Let's go, let's go, let's go to Starbucks." One student even loudly shouted "Tank Day."

This chant was interpreted as a mocking reference to an incident last May, when Starbucks Korea faced criticism for hosting an event featuring phrases such as "Tank Day" and "Bang the Desk" ahead of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement memorial day, which was condemned for trivializing the significance of May 18.

As a result, there was a widespread public outcry across political and entertainment circles and throughout society. Ultimately, Paejae High School issued an official apology and made a direct visit to Gwangju to repeatedly express their remorse.

Meanwhile, Lim Ho is an actor who debuted in the entertainment industry in 1993 as part of KBS's 15th open recruitment. He was recently inaugurated as president of the Paejae High School Alumni Association. He is also well-versed in baseball, serving as both player and manager of the well-known celebrity baseball team "Crusaders," which he has led to victory in celebrity baseball tournaments.

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