Presidential Office Issues Stern Warning to Regulatory Reform Committee Vice Chair Over 5·18 Remarks

The presidential office has issued a public warning to Lee Byung-tae, Vice Chair of the presidential Regulatory Reform Committee, labeling his recent comments regarding the 5·18 Democratization Movement as "inappropriate." Lee had remarked that the 5·18 movement had become a "sacred area" in the context of a controversy surrounding a cheering chant used by the Baejae High School baseball team.

Kang Yu-jeong, Senior Presidential Spokesperson, stated on July 4, "Vice Chair Lee's posting of personal opinions on social media is misleading and runs counter to the government's firm stance against hate and ridicule," adding, "It is an inappropriate action for someone in a responsible position within a government agency."

The spokesperson further announced, "We have issued a stern warning and strongly requested that such incidents be prevented from recurring."

Previously, when discussions of disciplinary action arose after the Baejae High School baseball team used the chant "Let's go to Starbucks" during a game against Gwangju Jeil High School, Lee posted on social media criticizing the situation, stating, "5·18 has become a sacred area," and calling it "reminiscent of North Korea."

In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Min-hee criticized Lee on Facebook yesterday, writing, "Vice Chair Lee Byung-tae asks, 'Is 5·18 a sacred area?' I will answer him. Yes, it is. It is a sacred area of democracy."

Following this, Lee posted an additional message on the morning of July 4, arguing, "If it was inappropriate, you can criticize it. That criticism is also freedom of expression. However, calling for 'punishment' based on remarks is a denial of fundamental rights," and added, "Even shouting 'Long live Kim Il-sung' in the middle of Seoul should be permitted."

Lee has also been posting critical messages daily regarding the government's large-scale regional investment project, the "3 Major Mega-Projects," claiming that "there has been no verification or attempt to verify whether they are being implemented."

Lee, an honorary professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), is considered a figure brought in under the "New Lee Jae-myung" appointment style, having been selected as Vice Chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee—a position equivalent to a ministerial level—last March in line with the President's policy of integration and pragmatic appointments.

Known for his right-leaning views, he reportedly handled economic policies for Hong Joon-pyo's camp during the People Power Party's presidential primary last year.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.