"Was It Collective Punishment?" Paichai High School's Six-Month Ban Draws Kwon Young-se's Criticism as a 'Severe Penalty That Ruins Young Players' Lives'

[Financial News] People Power Party lawmaker Kwon Young-se has called on the Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA) to reconsider its punishment over the controversy involving his alma mater, Paichai High School's baseball team, which was accused of making anti-Starbucks remarks, saying the sanction is excessively harsh.
On the 2nd, Kwon said on social media that he was "deeply sorry and regretful as an alumnus" over the recent inappropriate behavior by his alma mater's baseball team, but he strongly criticized the association's decision to impose a six-month ban from national tournaments.
Kwon drew a clear line on the substance of the incident, saying, "The thoughtless actions of some students were clearly wrong, and thorough education is needed so that this never happens again."
He, however, raised strong doubts about the form and severity of the punishment. Kwon pointed out, "Without distinguishing individual responsibility or the degree of wrongdoing, imposing a severe six-month suspension on all baseball team members as if they were being collectively disciplined is problematic."
He stressed that the decision would not simply affect whether the students can compete, but could also have a devastating impact on their college admissions and future athletic careers. He argued, "It is unfair to impose such an excessive collective sanction for the careless mistake of a few students, and this punishment should be withdrawn."

Kwon also offered his view on how the situation should be resolved. He said, "There are areas in our society where freedom of expression is restricted, and I believe the May 18 Democratic Uprising also falls into that category," but emphasized that the solution should be 'political and civic education,' not a punishment that makes an example of one person to warn others.
He also expressed concern over the criticism recently directed at Paichai High School and what he described as cancel-culture-like behavior in some parts of society. Kwon added, "The move to so-called 'cancel' the entire Paichai High School is not right," and said it was "an issue that should be handled calmly and coolly."
The controversy spreads, as the association stands firm on punishment while calls grow for it to be withdrawn

The controversy began on the 29th of last month during the Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship, when Paichai High School players shouted inappropriate chants such as "We should go to Starbucks" at players from Gwangju Jeil High School.
As the backlash grew, the Korea Baseball Softball Association convened an emergency Sports Fairness Committee on the 1st and ruled that the conduct violated sportsmanship and disrupted order at the stadium, deciding to impose immediate severe disciplinary action.

moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter