"Sorry for the Inconvenience": Netizens Moved by Elementary Students’ Handwritten Notes Before Sports Day

Handwritten Letters on Elementary School Wall Go Viral on Social Media
"Adults Are Sorry"—Netizens React with Mixed Opinions

Ahead of an elementary school sports day, handwritten notices from students asking for understanding about noise have gone viral online. The purpose of these notices is to ask for understanding in advance for any noise that may be caused by the sports day. However, many netizens have expressed their sympathy, noting the repeated apologies made by the young students.

The scene of students and schools being cautious of nearby residents ahead of the school sports day is not new. As complaints have been raised evenly across elementary, middle, and high schools, concerns are growing about the potential decline in physical activities. The Asia Business Daily

On April 19, photos and videos of an elementary school wall adjacent to an apartment complex were posted in a thread on social media (SNS). The user who uploaded the post wrote, "I heard that there are a lot of complaints whenever an elementary school holds a sports day," and added, "While out for a walk, I noticed that the local elementary school's wall was covered in notices. It felt strange."

Photos and videos shared by netizens showed the school walls filled with pictures drawn by students and handwritten notices. Screenshot from SNS

Photos and videos shared by netizens showed school walls filled with drawings and handwritten notices made directly by students. The notices read: "We apologize for any inconvenience. Our sports competition will take place from April 29 to 30," "There may be noise during the sports competition. We ask for your understanding," and "That way, we can shine even brighter," among other messages.

Based on photos and videos shared online, the school in question is presumed to be Chorim Elementary School located in Yangji Village, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The school is known to be surrounded by apartment complexes. Netizens expressed disappointment at the reality that students have to apologize directly ahead of their sports day.

Photos and videos shared by internet users showed school walls covered with drawings done by students and handwritten notices. Screenshot from SNS

Comments included, "A sports day is a time for children to laugh, talk, and enjoy themselves—I'm not sure it's something worth complaining about," "It's not your fault and there's nothing for you to apologize for. It's the adults who should be sorry," "I wish children could have at least one day to play to their hearts' content," and "People prefer living next to elementary schools, but can't tolerate the noise from events—I don't get it." Some netizens also pointed out, "Why are we making children feel guilty?" and "It's sad that even the sound of children laughing is now something to complain about."

The sight of students and schools being cautious about nearby residents ahead of a school sports day is not new. As related complaints have been filed across elementary, middle, and high schools, concerns are growing about a decline in physical activities. In May last year, a video titled "These Days, Elementary School Sports Days Start with an Apology" was posted on an online community, leaving viewers with a sense of regret. The video showed first and second graders gathered on the sports field saying, "We’re sorry. Please let us play just a little today. Thank you."

Meanwhile, according to data from the provincial and metropolitan education offices in 2025, more than 60 complaints were filed over the past five years about noise from sports days and other physical activities. There were only 2 complaints in 2021, but that number increased to 12 in 2022, 23 in 2023, and 13 in 2024. The region with the most complaints was Gyeonggi Province, with 31 cases over five years. Seoul recorded 12 complaints; Incheon and Busan had 5 each; Chungbuk had 3; Daejeon and Gyeongnam had 2 each; and Ulsan and Daegu had 1 each. The education offices of Gwangju, Jeju, Gyeongbuk, Chungnam, Sejong, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, and Gangwon reported that they had no related complaints.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.