It has been confirmed that Lee Byung-tae, Vice Chair of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee, has been asked by the presidential office to resign following controversy over his recent remarks regarding the disciplinary action against the Baejae High School baseball team.

The presidential office stated today, July 6, "We emphasized that as a key member appointed to a presidential committee, one must strive to align with the government's policy direction, and we have issued a warning." The office added, "Given the gravity of the situation, we have recommended Vice Chair Lee's resignation."

The office further noted, "Vice Chair Lee is currently deciding his own course of action," and added, "The Lee Jae-myung administration will continue its efforts toward inclusion, expanding its reach beyond conservatives and progressives."

Previously, on July 2, Vice Chair Lee posted on Facebook regarding the Baejae High School baseball team, which faced disciplinary action for using a "Starbucks cheer song" that mocked the May 18 Democratization Movement. In his post, he claimed that "the May 18 movement has become a sacred area in this land" and that it "resembles North Korea."

After Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Min-hee criticized the remarks on social media, Lee doubled down on his position on July 4, stating on Facebook that "the core of my opinion is 'freedom of expression.'"

In response, the presidential office issued a stern warning on the same day, stating that it was "inappropriate behavior for someone in a responsible position within a government agency." However, Lee posted again last night, arguing that "the correct way to respond to unpleasant language is not through the legal blade of regulation and discipline," and that "while one must learn to be considerate of others in life, one must also develop the inner strength not to be hurt by the words of others."

As his continued remarks led to calls from within the ruling bloc for his resignation, it appears the presidential office finally made its decision today.

Lee is a business professor known for his right-leaning views and was previously involved in economic policy for Hong Joon-pyo's camp during the People Power Party's presidential primary last year.

For this reason, his appointment by the Lee Jae-myung administration was described at the time as an unconventional choice.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Choi Kang-san | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News