Actor Im Ho Visits Gwangju as President of Paichai High School Alumni Association to Apologize for 5·18 Mockery Controversy

It has been belatedly reported that actor Im Ho visited Gwangju in his capacity as the president of the Paichai High School Alumni Association to personally apologize for a controversy involving students mocking the region.

On July 6, Im Ho visited Gwangju Jeil High School alongside the Paichai High School baseball team, faculty, and parents to offer an apology, followed by a visit to the May 18th National Cemetery. This visit took place after criticism arose that some Paichai High School baseball players had mocked the 5·18 Democratization Movement by chanting slogans such as "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" during a match against Gwangju Jeil High School at the 81st Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship held on June 29.

In an apology published in the Mudeung Ilbo that day, Im Ho, who serves as the president of the Paichai High School Alumni Association, stated, "I bow my head and sincerely apologize for the deep hurt caused by the inappropriate cheering displayed by the Paichai High School baseball students." He added, "The students' actions were clearly wrong, and I deeply feel that the responsibility for failing to prevent this and instill proper values lies with the school and the alumni."

He further emphasized, "The school is preparing an educational program to prevent a recurrence, along with a prompt apology," and added, "We will take full responsibility to ensure that this incident is not dismissed as a simple mistake or deviation, and that students can develop a sense of respect for others, a sense of community, and proper sportsmanship."

Addressing the students of Gwangju Jeil High School, Im Ho added, "I was very proud and grateful that they accepted our apology," and noted, "I will make efforts at the alumni association level so that the two schools can continue meaningful exchanges following this incident."

The controversy began when it was revealed that some Paichai High School players had shouted cheering slogans reminiscent of the 5·18 Democratization Movement toward Gwangju Jeil High School during the Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship held last month. The Korea Baseball Softball Association deemed the act a violation of sports human rights regulations and imposed a six-month suspension from national tournaments on the Paichai High School baseball team, while the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and the school also issued official apologies.

(Photo: Baek Seung-chul)

 

Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon | Produced by SBS Entertainment News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.