People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-sook speaks during a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the 14th. [YouTube live stream capture]

People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-sook has called for the withdrawal of the heavy disciplinary action recently imposed on the Baejae High School baseball team.

On the 14th (Korea time), Rep. Lee held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Hall alongside the National Women Leaders' Association for Spiritual Recovery to express her position regarding the Korea Baseball Softball Association's (KBSA) decision to suspend the Baejae High School baseball team from national tournaments for six months.

The Baejae High School baseball team was subjected to the six-month suspension by the KBSA following allegations that they mocked the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement by shouting slogans such as "Starbucks" and "Tank Day" during a high school baseball game.

Rep. Lee pointed out that there is no court precedent linking "Starbucks" to the May 18 movement, and that characterizing routine words or team slogans used during a game as an insult to the May 18 movement is an excessive leap in logic and a baseless assumption.

She argues that there is no evidence to suggest that the slogans "Starbucks" or "Tank Day" were used with the intention of mocking or belittling the May 18 Democratization Movement.

Rep. Lee defined the act of banning group activities and punishing students for the use of specific slogans as an infringement upon the freedom of expression and thought guaranteed by the Constitution, describing it as "handcuffing thoughts." She criticized the move as "ideological censorship and excessive regulation that would only occur in a dictatorship."

Rep. Lee also addressed procedural issues during the disciplinary process. She stated, "I question whether the students were guaranteed a sufficient opportunity to explain their side in the Baejae High School case, and whether the disciplinary action was based on objective facts and a fair process," adding, "Education should not be dictated by public opinion but must be conducted based on fair principles."

Furthermore, Rep. Lee noted that such excessive punishment deprives students of their future. "A situation has arisen where the students are suffering from psychological intimidation and pressure so severe that they cannot even wear their school uniforms to class," she added. "Our society should ensure fair procedures and tolerance rather than branding young athletes with a social stigma."

It has also been pointed out that a "six-month suspension" is a devastating penalty for high school players, potentially derailing their career paths, including college admissions or recruitment by professional teams. The argument is that the future and dreams of student athletes should not be sacrificed due to the political interpretations and ideological standards of adults.

Rep. Lee added that she "urges against any form of 'people’s tribunal' or 'trial by public opinion' regarding Baejae High School."

The National Women Leaders' Association for Spiritual Recovery, which joined the press conference, issued a statement demanding concrete measures from the KBSA. The group strongly urged for the immediate withdrawal of the six-month national tournament suspension, a re-discussion of the disciplinary action based on objective facts and fair procedures, and adherence to the principles of educational purpose and proportionality, emphasizing the responsibility of the older generation and the necessity for educational tolerance.

Meanwhile, on July 5, 2026—just before the Baejae High School baseball team visited Gwangju Jeil High School (Gwangju Ilgo), their opponent, to issue an official apology and pay their respects at the May 18 National Cemetery—Rep. Lee sent a cheering wreath to Baejae High School with the message: "What does Starbucks have to do with the 5·18 movement? I stand with the students of Baejae High School."

U.S. NNP = Hong Sung-koo, Representative Reporter / Special Correspondent for this publication info@newsandpost.com