Statue of Syngman Rhee erected in front of the Paiaehaktang History Museum in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Photo = Paiaehaktang History Museum]

Paiaehaktang, founded by missionary Henry Appenzeller, was a school built upon Christian principles. Perhaps for this reason, the school’s atmosphere was deeply permeated with Christian values and a spirit of freedom.

Interestingly, the school song of Paiaehaktang is quite simple. This is because it was created by Appenzeller’s son, who served as the fourth principal following in his father's footsteps, by setting lyrics to the fight song of his own alma mater, Princeton University.

Syngman Rhee: Student and Teacher at Paiaehaktang

Let us sing for our Paiaehaktang, Paiaehaktang / Let us sing and sing and sing again / Forever and ever / Rah rah rah rah sis boom bah, Paiaehaktang sis boom bah

In 1896, 21-year-old Syngman Rhee enrolled at Paiaehaktang. He demonstrated exceptional talent in the English language and modern studies he learned there, and before long, he began serving as an English teacher. Since then, Paiaehaktang underwent several reorganizations during the Japanese colonial period, and in 1937, it was renamed Paiai Middle School. After liberation, it was divided into what are now Paiai Middle School and Paiai High School.

I, too, am a graduate of the 100th class of Paiai Middle School. One of the events I looked forward to most during my time there was the "Bae-Yang Match" against Yangjung Middle and High School. Students would spend hours practicing cheers, and on the day of the game, we would cheer for our school until our voices went hoarse.

Although there was a strong sense of rivalry, it remained strictly within the realm of sports and school culture. While there were cheers aimed at each other, they rarely ever escalated into social issues.

However, the cheer that recently sparked controversy was a modification of the familiar chant, "Let’s go, let’s go, hit a home run and let's go," with students inserting the terms "Starbucks" and "Tank Day."

“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go to Starbucks. Tank Day.”

Some media outlets harshly criticized this cheer, and eventually, the relevant Fair Education Committee imposed a six-month suspension on Paiai High School from participating in national tournaments.

Many have raised questions about whether such a punishment was excessive. Furthermore, some have argued that the social atmosphere surrounding expressions or symbols related to the May 18th Democratic Uprising has become overly rigid, and that disallowing criticism or satire may conflict with the freedom of expression.

The Starbucks Incident is Awakening the Public

Looking at this incident, I am led to ask not merely a question about school cheering culture, but a question about how far our society should permit history and freedom of expression to coexist.

The controversy did not end there. Some media outlets even brought up the statue of Dr. Syngman Rhee on the Paiai High School campus, criticizing the school's history and identity. Witnessing this, I felt that beyond a simple debate over a cheer, a clash of interpretations regarding South Korea’s founding history and its significance is ongoing.

Paiaehaktang was founded on the faith and educational philosophy of missionary Appenzeller, and Syngman Rhee was influenced by liberty and modern education there. I believe that these Christian values and the principles of liberal democracy remain a vital foundation that sustains South Korea today.

Some may think their historical perspective is gaining ground. On the other hand, however, this controversy is actually serving as a catalyst to awaken those who place great importance on the values of freedom and the founding of the nation.

History does not end just because a single interpretation is forcibly imposed. Rather, a healthy society is built when deeper discussion and reflection occur amidst a diversity of perspectives.

And in that sense, I believe that the power to protect the Republic of Korea comes not from specific slogans, but from the conscience and convictions of citizens who cherish freedom.

The public is awakening because of "Tank Day" and "Starbucks." Christians are awakening, too. Among the 33 national representatives who signed the "Proclamation of Korean Independence" during the March 1st Movement of 1919, 16 were Christians. Furthermore, citizens who love liberal democracy and do not forget the spirit of President Syngman Rhee are awakening.

◆ Author Daniel Park

“This book was not written to attack any specific political party or figure. Rather than standing on the side of ideology, I wanted to stand on the side of facts. Are these truly the president and parliament we elected?” - From the author's note