Singer JK Kim Dong-wook is facing continued backlash for repeatedly defending the Baejae High School baseball team, which recently caused a stir with cheering slogans reminiscent of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, stating, "Regimes are shorter than your future."

On July 2, JK Kim Dong-wook posted on his social media, "Regimes are shorter than your future. Let's go, Baejae," publicly cheering for the Baejae High School baseball team. He continued, "This incredible ability to fail at controlling inflation, real estate prices, and exchange rates. And the supporters who watch this and cannot say a word. Isn't it too transparent? Yet, they are making such a fuss over Baejae High School or the Korea Football Association," linking the current controversy to his criticism of the current administration and political circles.

Previously, on July 1, JK Kim Dong-wook also posted messages defending Baejae High School, using expressions such as, "They are blowing a minor incident that happened while kids were playing baseball out of proportion," "The atrocities of the far-left who target people," and "A garbage sentiment that should disappear."

The controversy began on June 29 at the Blue Dragon National High School Baseball Championship held at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Some players from Baejae High School shouted cheering slogans toward Gwangju Jeil High School, such as "You have to go, you have to go, you have to go to Starbucks," and "Tank Day." Critics argued that these expressions, which alluded to the previously controversial "Tank Day" marketing by Starbucks Korea, trivialized the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.

As the repercussions grew, Baejae High School issued an official apology, stating, "We have caused hurt and disappointment to the Gwangju Jeil High School team, their parents, alumni, and many others, including the citizens of Gwangju." After reviewing the matter, the Korea Baseball Softball Association also imposed a six-month suspension from national tournaments on the Baejae High School baseball team.

Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Cho Keun-sik also stated, "As the superintendent responsible for Seoul education, I deeply apologize to the citizens of Gwangju and the public," adding, "Student sports are an educational venue to learn respect for opponents rather than just winning or losing." However, he also emphasized the importance of educational recovery, noting, "We must be cautious against personal attacks or excessive criticism toward individual students."

Despite these official apologies and disciplinary actions from the school, educational authorities, and the sports association, JK Kim Dong-wook has continued to post messages defending Baejae High School for two consecutive days, fueling the controversy by framing the issue through a political lens.

Meanwhile, JK Kim Dong-wook, a Canadian singer of Korean descent, does not have voting rights in South Korea but has consistently expressed his opinions on political and social issues through social media.


(Photo: Yonhap News)

Reported by Kang Kyung-yoon | Produced by SBS Entertainment News