Baejae High Apologizes to Gwangju First High Over Slurs

Baejae High School, which sparked controversy by chanting regional slurs such as "We should go to Starbucks" against Gwangju First High School during a high school baseball game, visited Gwangju to issue an official apology. In the wake of the incident, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education plans to provide history and human rights education to all Baejae High School students and to conduct human rights education and operational inspections of all school sports teams in the Seoul area.

A group of 86 people, including Baejae High School staff, student athletes, parents, and Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education officials, visited Gwangju First High School on Friday to apologize for the regional slur controversy that arose during the 81st Chungryonggi National High School Baseball Championship on May 29. After delivering the apology letter, students from both schools shook hands and shared a moment of reconciliation, then paid tribute in turn at the Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial Tower and the May 18th National Cemetery.

The captain of the Baejae High School baseball team said in the apology letter, "I sincerely apologize to the Gwangju First High School players, their parents, and the citizens of Gwangju who were deeply hurt by the inappropriate remarks and actions of the Baejae High School players." He continued, "All the players on the team, including myself, are sincerely and deeply reflecting on this. As fellow athletes, it was something we absolutely should not have done, and it caused great pain. I sincerely apologize."

Kwon Oh-young, head coach of the Baejae High School baseball team, also acknowledged his responsibility as a leader, calling the students' regional slur chants "a wrong that cannot be excused by anything." He blamed himself, saying, "Because I was focused only on winning and losing, I failed to stop the wrong chants in time," and "I had forgotten that there are things more important than winning." He added, "I will fulfill my responsibility as a leader to the end so that this never happens again."

Lee Hyo-jung, principal of Baejae High School, said, "I apologize to all those who were greatly hurt by this incident," adding, "Baejae has not forgotten the spirit of the Gwangju Student Independence Movement and the May 18th Democratization Movement. Now we must overcome the wounds and pain in our hearts and move toward a future of integration."

Baejae High School staff members also, in a separate apology letter, defined the incident as "a case stemming from a total collapse of ethical consciousness and historical awareness," and said, "We are conducting our own fact-finding investigation and disciplinary procedures." They added, "We will make greater efforts to become an educational community that values consideration over mockery and solidarity over hatred."

Gwangju First High School also accepted the apology. Lee Kyu-yeon, principal of Gwangju First High School, said, "Apologizing from the heart is important, but what is more important is living well going forward," adding, "For both schools to stand tall in a more developed form as a result of this incident is true reconciliation and forgiveness." After delivering the apology letter, players from both schools shook hands and paid tribute together at the Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial Tower.

The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education will provide history education, human rights education, and education to prevent discriminatory and hateful expressions to all Baejae High School students starting Sunday. In addition, it plans to conduct guidance and inspections on human rights education and overall operations for all school sports teams in the Seoul area through July 21.