Condolence wreaths placed in front of Baejae High School in Gangdong-gu, Seoul [Yonhap]
Condolence wreaths placed in front of Baejae High School in Gangdong-gu, Seoul [Yonhap]

Baejae High School has denied claims that it tried to downplay or conceal an incident in which members of its baseball team shouted inappropriate chants at players from Gwangju Ilgo during a game.

The school said Thursday on its website that some media reports had alleged it was trying to reduce the matter to a problem involving only students. "The school views this incident with the utmost gravity," it said.

"We are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the facts," the school added, "and will take action against those involved."

Some student players on the Baejae High baseball team shouted chants including "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" during a game against Gwangju Ilgo at Seoul's Mokdong Baseball Stadium on June 29, as part of the 81st Cheongnonggi National High School Baseball Championship and Weekend League Championship.

Starbucks Korea drew sharp criticism in May after using the phrases "Tank Day" and "A thud on the desk" in a tumbler discount promotion held on May 18, the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement — phrases widely seen as mocking the historical event.

Participants at a press conference held Thursday in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, organized by the Student-Parent-Teacher Human Rights Protection Alliance, call for an end to condolence wreath deliveries targeting Baejae High students. [Yonhap]
Participants at a press conference held Thursday in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, organized by the Student-Parent-Teacher Human Rights Protection Alliance, call for an end to condolence wreath deliveries targeting Baejae High students. [Yonhap]

Baejae High is investigating the students involved and reviewing disciplinary procedures.

According to a school inspection report submitted to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and obtained by Rebuilding Korea Party lawmaker Kang Gyeong-suk of the National Assembly's Education Committee, the school decided to refer two students at the center of the controversy to its student life education committee. It also reportedly plans to refer additional students who joined in the chanting.

Critics questioned whether the school was trying to minimize the incident by holding only a handful of students responsible while leaving out the many others who participated, as well as coaching staff — a concern the school's statement appeared to address directly.

Meanwhile, about 80 Baejae High baseball players, coaches, parents and faculty are scheduled to visit Gwangju Ilgo on Monday to meet with its student players and coaches, offer a formal apology, and pay their respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery.


ygmoon@heraldcorp.com