Controversy over Pai Chai High School's derogatory slogans regarding May 18, Web Variety Show

Social Backlash Triggered by Inappropriate Chants from Pai Chai High School Baseball Team

Controversy is brewing as some players from the Pai Chai High School baseball team shouted chants disparaging the May 18 Democratization Movement during the 81st Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium on the 29th of last month. At the time, the Pai Chai players shouted chants from the dugout such as "Tank Day" and "We gotta go, gotta go to Starbucks," which contained meanings mocking the situation during the May 18 movement. These were interpreted as derogatory remarks toward the region, drawing fierce criticism from netizens.

Criticism from History Instructor Choi Tae-seong and the Historical Background of Paichai Hakdang

Upon hearing of this incident, history instructor Choi Tae-seong expressed his bitter feelings through his social media on July 1, mentioning his responsibility as a member of the older generation. Pointing out the history of Paichai Hakdang, which opened the dawn of modern academia, he emphasized, "Appenzeller's Paichai Hakdang opened the dawn of modern academia in our country. What this school advocated was service."

He continued to question the direction of South Korean education, stating, "Seeing what is happening these days, shouldn't the older generation, including myself, desperately think about where South Korean education is headed? I am so ashamed of myself."

Pai Chai High School's Founding Philosophy and the School's Response

Pai Chai High School, which originates from Paichai Hakdang founded by missionary Appenzeller in 1885, is a private autonomous high school with a deep history, having received its nameplate from Emperor Gojong. While its core value is the motto "If you wish to be great, serve others," the school's identity has come under criticism due to this incident. Pai Chai High School has released two official apologies, and Principal Lee Hyo-jun has expressed his intention to visit Gwangju Jeil High School personally to apologize.

Impact Spreading to the Broadcasting Industry: Decision to Cancel 'Fire Baseball 2' Broadcast

The repercussions of the incident have extended to the broadcasting industry. Studio C1, the production company of the web variety show 'Fire Baseball 2,' stated in an official position on July 1 that they perceive this matter with great gravity. The production company decided to abruptly withdraw the broadcast of the Pai Chai High School episode, which was originally scheduled for release on July 6. Accordingly, the Seongnam High School episode is scheduled to be broadcast on July 13 instead.