The Chungnam Education Office’s Administrative Appeals Commission has overturned a previous decision regarding Park Joon-hyun, a pitcher from Cheonan Bukil High School who was selected first overall by the Kiwoom Heroes in the 2026 KBO Rookie Draft, changing the ruling from “not school violence” to “recognition of school violence.”
On the 9th, the commission announced its decision to cancel the initial ruling by the Cheonan Education Support Agency, which stated “not school violence,” and instead recognized Park’s actions as school violence, ordering a written apology as the first of the disciplinary measures.
According to the commission, the members determined that the verbal abuse by Park directed at the victim, a fellow baseball team member identified as Student A, could be considered as school violence due to its potential to cause mental harm. In their decision, the commission noted the abusive language Park used towards Student A and mentioned that A suffered from PTSD and other issues due to group bullying by the baseball team, stating that Park’s actions could not be regarded as mere trivial conduct between student-athletes.
Previously, in May, Student A had reported suffering long-term bullying and ostracism from Park, but the Cheonan Education Support Agency’s School Violence Countermeasures Review Committee initially ruled that Park had not committed school violence. If Park Joon-hyun or Student A decide to contest the commission’s decision, it could potentially lead to an administrative lawsuit.
Park Joon-hyun, the son of former Doosan Bears coach Park Seok-min, is regarded as one of the top high school pitchers, with a record of 2 wins, 1 loss, and an ERA of 2.63 in 10 games at national high school baseball tournaments this year. Prior to the draft, Park submitted a declaration form affirming his non-involvement in any school violence, along with his school records. He stated, “As my father always says, character comes before baseball, and I am not worried because I have nothing to hide.” Park’s father also disputed media reports about his son’s involvement in school violence, suggesting that Park Joon-hyun was being unfairly targeted due to his father’s prominence as a former baseball player.