Singer JK Kim Dong-uk is facing continued backlash for repeatedly defending the Paichai High School baseball team, which recently sparked controversy over cheering chants reminiscent of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. He claimed, "An administration is shorter than your future."

On July 2, JK Kim Dong-uk posted on his social media, "An administration is shorter than your future. Let's go, Paichai," publicly cheering for the team. He continued to link the controversy to criticisms of the current administration and political sphere, stating, "This incredible ability to fail at controlling inflation, real estate, and exchange rates. Yet, the supporters watch it all without a word. It is so transparent. But they make such a fuss over Paichai High School or the Korea Football Association."

Previously, on July 1, JK Kim Dong-uk also defended the school by using expressions such as, "They are blowing a simple incident that happened during a baseball game out of proportion," "The atrocities of the far-left who are targeting them," and "A trashy sentiment that needs to 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 Paichai High School shouted cheering chants toward Gwangju Jeil High School, such as "Let's go, let's go, let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day." Critics raised concerns that these phrases may have mocked the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, as they were reminiscent of the controversial "Tank Day" marketing previously conducted by Starbucks Korea.

As the backlash grew, Paichai 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." The Korea Baseball Softball Association also reviewed the matter and imposed a six-month suspension from national tournaments on the Paichai High School baseball team.

Jung Keun-sik, Superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, also stated, "As the superintendent responsible for Seoul education, I deeply apologize to the citizens of Gwangju and the public." He added, "Student sports should be a venue for education where one learns to respect the opponent rather than focusing on 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-uk has continued to post messages defending Paichai High School for two consecutive days, fueling the controversy by framing the issue through a political lens.

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

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)