Lee Byung-tae, Vice Chair of Regulatory Rationalization Committee, Resigns After '5·18 Has Become a Sacred Cow' Remark

▲ Lee Byung-tae, Vice Chair of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee, speaks at the first plenary session of the committee presided over by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House on the 15th.

Lee Byung-tae, Vice Chair of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee, has resigned following controversy over his recent remarks that the May 18 Democratization Movement has become a "sacred cow."

The Blue House announced that it would accept his resignation immediately.

Kang Yu-jeong, Chief Spokesperson for the Blue House, stated today (July 6), "Vice Chair Lee Byung-tae has expressed his intention to resign," adding, "We inform you that the Blue House has decided to accept it."

Previously, the Blue House had issued a warning to the Vice Chair, conveying the message that "as a key member appointed to a presidential committee with significant responsibility and authority, one must strive to align with the government's policy direction." Following this, the Blue House recommended his resignation, recognizing the gravity of the matter.

The controversy began when Lee posted on social media that "the 5·18 has become a sacred cow" and claimed it was "like North Korea," after disciplinary actions were discussed following an incident where Baejae High School students chanted "Let's go to Starbucks" as a cheering slogan during a match against Gwangju Jeil High School.

In response, fierce criticism erupted within the ruling party, with comments such as, "Defending the perpetrators by calling it a sacred cow or North Korea regarding the 5·18 mockery incident is a betrayal of the qualifications required for a public official under the Lee Jae-myung administration," and "This is not freedom of expression, but an insult to history."

Lee is known as a business administration professor with right-leaning views and served as an economic policy advisor for Hong Joon-pyo's campaign during the People Power Party's presidential primary last year. His appointment by the Lee Jae-myung administration was considered an unconventional choice at the time.

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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