South Korean history instructor Choi Tae-sung has voiced his deep concern regarding a controversy surrounding the cheering chants used by the Bae Jae-goo baseball team, which some have labeled as “cheering squads.” The incident has sparked significant public discussion and led to disciplinary action against the team.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted during the 81st Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship held on the 29th of last month at Mokdong Stadium in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. During the game, players for Bae Jae-goo were heard shouting cheers such as “Gaya-ji, Gaya-ji, Starbucks Gaya-ji.” Some reports also indicate that players shouted “Tank Day!” This particular chant drew parallels to a recent marketing event by Starbucks Korea, which used slogans like “Tank Day” and “Tap on the desk.” Starbucks Korea faced criticism for allegedly trivializing the May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement and the death of activist Park Jong-cheol.
The use of similar phrases by the baseball team led to accusations that the cheers went beyond simple encouragement and were intended to provoke societal outrage. The situation escalated, prompting the Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA) to convene an emergency disciplinary committee meeting on the 1st. Following deliberation, the KBSA decided to suspend the Bae Jae-goo baseball team from participating in official competitions for six months. Further discussions are expected regarding individual disciplinary measures for the team’s coaches and players.
Choi Tae-sung’s Response and Historical Context
In response to the growing debate, Choi Tae-sung shared his sentiments on his social media account on the 1st. He posted three images related to Baejae Hakdang, the predecessor to the Bae Jae-goo team. These images depicted the school’s grounds and a stone monument inscribed with a quote from its founder, American missionary Henry Appenzeller. The inscription on the monument reads, “If you want to be great, serve others.”
Choi Tae-sung accompanied these images with a message reflecting on the historical significance of Baejae Hakdang. He wrote, “Baejae Hakdang, which opened the preface to modern academia in our country, was founded by Appenzeller. The principle this school established was service.” He then expressed his profound disappointment with the current state of education in South Korea, stating, “Seeing what is happening these days, I wonder if we, the older generation, should not truly reflect on where Korean education is heading. I am so ashamed of myself.”
The Legacy of Henry Appenzeller and Baejae Hakdang
Henry Appenzeller was a pivotal figure in the introduction of Western education to Korea during the late Joseon Dynasty. He arrived in Korea in 1885 and, along with other missionaries, played a significant role in establishing modern educational institutions. Baejae Hakdang, founded in 1885, was one of the earliest schools to offer a modern curriculum, encompassing not only religious education but also subjects like science, English, and vocational training. The school’s motto, emphasizing service and humility, reflected the Christian values that underpinned its mission.
The institution evolved over time, eventually becoming part of what is now Yonsei University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious universities. The historical context of Baejae Hakdang as a pioneer in Korean modern education and its founding principles of service and humility make the recent controversy particularly poignant for figures like Choi Tae-sung, who are deeply invested in the nation’s educational heritage.
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
The incident involving the Bae Jae-goo baseball team’s cheering squad has ignited a broader conversation about the responsibility of athletes, the influence of sports on public discourse, and the potential for seemingly innocuous phrases to carry unintended or offensive connotations. The comparison to the Starbucks Korea controversy highlights a growing sensitivity in South Korean society towards historical events and social justice issues.
Public reaction has been mixed, with many condemning the chants as insensitive and disrespectful, particularly given the historical context invoked by the “Tank Day” and “Gaya-ji” references. Others have called for a more nuanced approach, suggesting that the players may not have fully understood the implications of their chants and that the focus should be on education rather than solely punishment. However, the KBSA’s decision reflects a stance that such insensitivity cannot be overlooked, especially in a national sporting event.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Bae Jae-goo baseball team’s cheering chants serves as a stark reminder of the importance of context, historical awareness, and responsible communication in all aspects of public life. Choi Tae-sung’s heartfelt expression of shame underscores the deep concern felt by many regarding the direction of education and societal values. The KBSA’s disciplinary action signals a commitment to upholding standards of respect and sensitivity in sports. As the discussion continues, it is hoped that this incident will foster greater understanding and encourage more thoughtful engagement with sensitive historical and social issues.
