Paekjae High School Expected to Be Cleared Over "Let's Go to Starbucks" Chants as Gwangju Il High School Declines Punishment

Gwangju Il High School Expresses No Desire for Punishment
Investigation into Starbucks Promotion Continues

Members of the Paejae High School baseball team, who have been under investigation for chanting cheers perceived as mocking the May 18 Democratization Movement during a game against Gwangju Jeil High School, are expected to be cleared of charges. This is because Gwangju Il High School, the affected school, has indicated that it does not wish to pursue punishment.

On the 6th, a player from Baejae High School baseball team is delivering an apology letter to a player from Gwangju Ilgo High School baseball team in the auditorium of Gwangju Jeil High School, Bukgu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeonnam. Photo by Yonhap News

According to Yonhap News on July 13, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jeongbo stated at a regular press briefing that "Gwangju Il High School, the victim, has expressed its intention not to seek punishment" regarding the investigation into the Paejae High School baseball team members for alleged defamation.

Commissioner Park explained, "Because defamation is a crime that cannot be prosecuted without the victim's desire for punishment, it appears the case will be concluded this way," adding, "The complainant has also expressed their intention to submit a withdrawal of the complaint."

Under Korean law, defamation is a crime that can only be prosecuted with a formal complaint from the victim. Therefore, if Gwangju Il High School submits a withdrawal of its complaint, the police are expected to close the case on the grounds of "no right of prosecution."

The controversy began during a baseball game between Gwangju Il High School and Paejae High School held on June 29. At the time, members of the Paejae High School baseball team shouted slogans such as "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" at Gwangju Il High School players. These chants were criticized for allegedly mocking the May 18 Democratization Movement.

These chants referenced the "Tank Day" promotion by Starbucks Korea, which was launched on May 18, the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, and became a subject of controversy. Following this, the Yangcheon Police Station in Seoul received a complaint alleging that Paejae High School baseball team members had insulted the opposing players and launched an investigation.

As the controversy grew, Paejae High School baseball team members visited Gwangju Il High School on July 6 to apologize to the affected players and citizens of Gwangju. The team's coach and faculty members also each issued public apology letters. The next day, Gwangju Il High School requested leniency in disciplinary action against Paejae High School's baseball team from the Korea Baseball Softball Association.

Meanwhile, separate from the Paejae High School incident, the investigation into allegations that Starbucks' "Tank Day" promotion insulted May 18 Democratization Movement participants and their families is ongoing.

Commissioner Park stated on this matter, "We have received audit and forensic materials from Shinsegae Group and are analyzing them," adding, "We are also sequentially questioning those involved."

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