Alumni groups of Gwangju schools call for full investigation into Baejaego baseball incident

The alumni association of Gwangju Seojung Middle School and Ilgo High School on Wednesday urged that "a thorough investigation and accountability must come first to protect both the perpetrating and victimized students and to demonstrate mature civic values" in response to the Baejaego baseball team incident.

In a statement issued that day, the association said Baejaego's apology "merely states that action will be taken against the students, while ignoring demands — including those from Baejaego's own alumni association — for the principal's resignation and the accountability of school leadership." It added that "without a proper investigation and clear assignment of responsibility, the apology cannot be accepted as genuine."

The association also said it viewed positively Tuesday's decision by the Korea Baseball Softball Association's Sports Fairness Committee to hand Baejaego a forfeit loss and a six-month competition ban, along with plans to establish new disciplinary standards and provide education for student athletes. It said it would closely monitor whether the measures are strictly carried out going forward.

However, the association stressed that "our goal is not the ruin of students, but the restoration of education and justice," adding that the aim is "to make students recognize the responsibility they must bear for their wrongdoing and to prevent similar incidents from recurring — not to impose merciless punishment."

The association further called for "a sincere apology grounded in the accountability of the school and its governing foundation," saying that only then could it "respond with gracious reconciliation and generous forgiveness." It demanded that "all those responsible reflect on their actions and uphold a morally responsible attitude."