Just days after putting Overwatch League pro Saebyeolbe on a blacklist, the OWL’s Chinese teams have decided to end the ban and resume normal activities following the pro’s controversial comments.
The OWL’s four Chinese teams banned Seoul Dynasty DPS Jong-ryeol ‘Saebyeolbe’ Park from all interactions, including scrimmages and matches on May 3. The led to the veteran star making controversial comments about Chinese censorship.
Now, within days of blacklisting Saebyeolbe, the league has decided to end that impromptu boycott and resume all competitive activities. This follows a handwritten apology from Saebyeolbe, and internal discussions between the league’s teams.
On May 6, the four Chinese teams including Shanghai Dragons, Hangzhou Spark, Guangzhou Charge, and the Chengdu Hunters, posted statements on Twitter regarding the situation.
Statement pic.twitter.com/PdMdYXJMcV
— Shanghai Dragons (@ShanghaiDragons) May 6, 2021
Each team posted the same statement. The announcement hints at the divisive exchange that took place due to the boycott.
“Our team is very concerned about the voices from our community and among our fans, and we respect the many emotions that have risen due to the team’s viewpoints.” the statement pointed out.
Following several rounds of discussion,” the teams have consequently decided to “resume normal activities with each other based on mutual respect and unity.”
This decision is claimed to have been made in a bid to assure “the best competitive matches for our fans.”
새별비 선수 입장문에 대하여 :
From Seoul Dynasty regarding Saebyeolbe’s statement:https://t.co/Ohbhb2mx47 pic.twitter.com/QQvQNXWhS1— Seoul Dynasty ? (@SeoulDynasty) May 6, 2021
Saebyeolbe’s Seoul organization also shared a statement addressing the recent situation. “We respect there are many emotions as a result of the recent issues.”
The Korean team said that the decision to resume interactions is “in the spirit of fostering healing, better understanding of one another, and delivering great competition for our fans around the world.”
The Overwatch League features a diverse player pool including two European teams, one Korean team, the 13 North American teams, and four Chinese teams, making international bond a crucial factor.
Saebyeolbe’s comments regarding the “One China” policy continue to be a sore point among a few fans, while a majority seem to be glad the league decided to resume full activity. Watch this space for the latest esports news.
