'Cheering Slogan Controversy' Paichai High School Returns After 45 Days... "Deeply Reflected"

Coach Lee Janghwan: "All the players sincerely apologize"

5-8 Come-From-Behind Loss in First Game Against Incheon High School

The Paichai High School baseball team, which had faced disciplinary action following a controversy over their cheering slogan, returned to an official game after 45 days but suffered a defeat.

On August 12 at 5 p.m., Paichai High School went up against Incheon High School in the first round of the 54th Bonghwangdae National High School Baseball Tournament, held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Incheon High School secured a 8-5 victory in the game.

The Paichai High School baseball team bows toward the stands before the first-round game against Incheon High School at the 54th Bonghwangdae National High School Baseball Tournament held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 12th. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, on June 29, Paichai High School had played against Gwangju Il High School in the first round of the 81st Cheongnyonggi National High School Baseball Championship. However, during the cheering process, controversy arose over derogatory remarks about the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Although they won the game, they were forced to forfeit the second round.

Subsequently, the Sports Fairness Committee of the Korea Baseball Softball Association issued a harsh penalty last month, suspending Paichai High School from national competitions for six months. Paichai High School appealed the disciplinary action, and upon review, the suspension was reduced to one month, allowing the team to participate in this Bonghwangdae tournament.

Although Paichai High School returned to official competition after 45 days, they ultimately lost their first game in a comeback by Incheon High School. Since head coach Kwon Ohyoung was relieved of his duties, coach Lee Janghwan served as acting manager for the team in this game. In an interview with reporters before the game, Coach Lee said, "Both the players and the coaching staff have deeply reflected on the incident," adding, "We are truly sorry. We prepared extremely hard during the one-month suspension. We will greet everyone showing our best side," bowing his head in apology.

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