Student athletes from the Baengseok High School baseball team have submitted statements explaining their use of controversial chants during a recent game, asserting they were unaware of the phrases’ connection to the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. The statements, submitted to National Assembly member Park Soo-min of the People Power Party by the Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA), detail the players’ perspectives on the incident that has sparked public outcry.
Players’ Statements Detail Lack of Awareness
According to reports, a significant number of the 36 student athletes involved stated they did not realize that phrases like “Starbucks” and “Tank Day” were considered derogatory or offensive towards the 5.18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. They expressed deep remorse for their actions, acknowledging their lack of historical understanding behind the remarks.
“Starbucks” Chant Explanation
One player, identified as ‘A’, who initiated the “Starbucks, go ahead!” chant, claimed there was no intention to disparage Gwangju. In his statement, ‘A’ explained that his focus was solely on team morale and that he had no desire to disrespect the city. He recalled the recent public discussion surrounding Starbucks and stated that this memory prompted the rallying cry. ‘A’ further expressed profound guilt and a sense of responsibility towards the citizens of Gwangju and the school community after the game concluded, recognizing the significant mistake made.
“Tank Day” Chant Explanation
Similarly, player ‘B’, who shouted “Tank Day,” maintained that he was unaware of any link between the expression and the 5.18 Uprising. ‘B’ recalled a past event involving a “Tank Day” promotion at Starbucks and stated he had no knowledge of the 5.18 incident or any specific events that occurred at Starbucks. He emphasized that his intention was not to insult the opposing team but to cheer, and he is now reflecting on his mistake.
Awareness Emerged During the Game
The submitted statements also revealed that some players began to recognize the problematic nature of the chants during the game itself. One student recalled hearing the “Starbucks, go ahead!” chant around the second or third inning and asking teammates why Starbucks was suddenly being mentioned. This player noted that if the chant was related to the 5.18 Gwangju Uprising, it would be inappropriate. Another student recounted hearing the Starbucks discussion and explicitly warned player ‘A’, saying, “Hey, this isn’t right. Don’t do it.”
Escalation and Umpire Intervention
The use of the provocative chants reportedly escalated tensions between the teams. One student’s statement described how, after the opposing team’s (Gwangju High School) performance faltered, their teammates taunted them with remarks like, “Why are you faltering? What did you do last night?” This led to the Gwangju High School coach emerging from the dugout to tell his players, “I’ve held back a lot. Play fairly.”
Another player recalled that while the opposing coach did not react immediately to the “Starbucks fighting” chant, he later shouted, “What are you doing? Just do your own fighting!” after the “What are you doing?” incident.
Evidence suggests that the taunting chants were repeated from the beginning of the game. One student athlete stated, “From the start of the game, our team engaged in taunting chants several times, and the umpire warned us mid-game.” The statement also mentioned that the first base coach for the opposing team repeatedly warned them not to taunt.
Timing of the Controversial Chants
The players also provided specific details regarding when the problematic chants were uttered. Some recalled, “It suddenly came out as ‘Starbucks, go ahead!’ around the second or third inning,” while others stated, “During the fourth inning offense, while discussing Starbucks, someone loudly said ‘Tank Day.'”
Baengseok High School’s Response and Penalties
In response to the controversy, Baengseok High School has initiated disciplinary proceedings, including suspending players ‘A’ and ‘B’ from the student education committee. On June 6th, the school visited Gwangju High School to offer an apology, and Gwangju High School requested that Baengseok High School take appropriate measures regarding the baseball team.
The Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA) had previously decided on June 1st to suspend the Baengseok High School baseball team from participating in national competitions for six months. However, Baengseok High School filed an appeal on June 8th with the Korea Sports Fair Play Committee, requesting a reconsideration of the suspension.
Broader Implications and Player Reflection
This incident highlights the critical importance of cultural and historical sensitivity, particularly in sports where team spirit and competition can sometimes overshadow broader societal awareness. The players’ statements, while explaining their lack of initial understanding, also underscore a commitment to learning from this experience and demonstrating greater respect in the future. The ongoing disciplinary and appeals process will determine the final consequences for the involved athletes and the team.
