Police to Close Case Against Paichai High School Baseball Team After Gwangju Jeil High School Drops Complaint

Police investigating the so-called Paichai High School incident, where baseball team members allegedly shouted mocking slogans related to the May 18 Democratization Movement during a game against Gwangju Jeil High School, have decided not to forward the case to the prosecution.
Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jeong-bo stated during a regular press briefing on the morning of the 13th regarding the investigation into the insult charges against the Paichai High School baseball team, "The victim, Gwangju Jeil High School, has expressed that they do not wish for punishment." He added, "Since insult is a crime that cannot be prosecuted if the victim does not want punishment, the case is expected to be settled in that manner."
He further noted, "The individual who filed the complaint has expressed their intention to submit a withdrawal of the complaint."
Insult is a crime subject to complaint, meaning it can only be investigated if the victim files a formal complaint. Once the withdrawal is submitted, the police are expected to close the case without forwarding it to the prosecution, citing a lack of right to prosecute.
Previously, the Seoul Yangcheon Police Station launched an investigation after receiving a complaint alleging that Paichai High School baseball players insulted Gwangju Jeil High School players during a game on June 29 by shouting slogans such as "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day."
The "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" slogans originated from a "Tank Day" event held by Starbucks Korea on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, which sparked intense social controversy.
Separately, an investigation is ongoing into allegations that the Starbucks "Tank Day" event insulted May 18 Democratization Movement contributors, including the bereaved family of the late Park Jong-cheol.
Regarding the status of the Starbucks investigation, Commissioner Park explained, "We are analyzing audit materials and forensic data received from Shinsegae Group," adding, "Interviews with relevant individuals are also proceeding according to procedure."
When asked whether a forced investigation was conducted on an employee who refused to submit their mobile phone during the internal audit, he replied, "Nothing has been done yet," and added, "We will conduct necessary investigations as the procedure progresses."
Regarding the Seosomun Overpass collapse, he stated that about 50 people have been questioned, noting, "It has been revealed that some safety management regulations and standards were not well observed."
He added, "We first investigated the construction company and the supervisors directly involved in the demolition work, and we are now investigating the agencies responsible for construction management and supervision."
When asked about the possibility of investigating Seoul Metropolitan Government officials, he replied, "We will do so if necessary."
When asked if diplomatic factors are being considered in the investigation of the Coupang personal information leak case, he drew a line, stating, "We are investigating according to the law and procedures."
Regarding the investigation into HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk for alleged fraudulent unfair trade practices, he said, "We will decide on whether to seek a warrant once the supplementary investigation is completed."
When asked if the prosecution recommended applying fraud charges instead of fraudulent unfair trade practice charges, he said, "The prosecution cannot demand a change in the name of the crime. We have not received any official proposal," adding, "Once the supplementary investigation is finished, we will decide in consultation with the prosecution."
Previously, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Financial Crime Investigation Unit applied for arrest warrants for Chairman Bang Si-hyuk twice, but they were rejected or dismissed by the prosecution.
Regarding cases of "legal distortion," he stated that a total of 175 complaints have been received, with 75 cases closed through non-forwarding, dismissal, or transfer, and 100 cases currently under investigation.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.