Singer JK Kim Dong-wook is facing backlash after posting comments that appear to defend Baejae High School students who sparked controversy for mocking Gwangju Jeil High School during a high school baseball game.
On June 30, JK Kim Dong-wook shared a news article titled "'Starbucks' taunt against Gwangju Jeil High School by Baejae High School sparks controversy... Office of Education to investigate" on his social media. He wrote, "You really got triggered, haha. Are they really blowing this out of proportion over a happening that occurred while kids were playing baseball?" He added, "The atrocities of the far-left who coordinate attacks. It is a garbage sentiment that needs to disappear now."
The controversy began on June 29 during the 81st Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship and Weekend League King of Kings Tournament held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul.
During the game, some student-athletes from Baejae High School repeatedly shouted "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" toward the Gwangju Jeil High School dugout. This drew criticism for allegedly mocking the recent 'Tank Day' marketing controversy involving Starbucks and referencing the May 18 Democratization Movement.
Gwangju Jeil High School immediately protested to the umpires, and the umpires issued a warning to Baejae High School. Baejae High School later issued an official apology on its website, stating, "We sincerely apologize for causing deep hurt and disappointment to the Gwangju Jeil High School team, parents, alumni, and the citizens of Gwangju due to the inappropriate cheering chants of some student-athletes."
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education also announced on June 30, "The relevant department plans to visit the school to comprehensively check and inspect the circumstances of the incident, whether on-site intervention was taken, the guidance process for student-athletes, and the school's follow-up measures and plans for recurrence prevention education."
Meanwhile, during the Starbucks Korea 'Tank Day' marketing controversy last May, JK Kim Dong-wook posted an image related to Starbucks on his social media, writing, "I don't even go there often, so why are you making me want to go and be bothered?" This led to interpretations that he was publicly supporting Starbucks.
JK Kim Dong-wook is a Canadian singer active in the Korean music industry.
Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon | SBS Entertainment News
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