Presidential Office Issues Public Warning to Official Over Controversial Remarks on 5.18 Gwangju Democratization Movement

The presidential office has issued a public warning to Lee Byung-tae, vice-chair of the presidential Regulatory Rationalization Committee, following his criticism that the 5.18 Gwangju Democratization Movement has become a "sacred area" in response to a controversy involving a cheering chant by the Baejae High School baseball team. Kang Yu-jeong, senior spokesperson for the presidential office, stated, "Vice-chair Lee's posting of personal opinions on social media carries the risk of misunderstanding, as it runs counter to the government's firm stance against hate and ridicule." She added, "It is inappropriate behavior for someone in a responsible position within a government-affiliated organization." The presidential office further announced that it had "issued a stern warning and strongly requested the prevention of any recurrence." Previously, after Baejae High School faced disciplinary action for using the cheering chant "Let's go to Starbucks" during a game against Gwangju Jeil High School, Lee posted on social media, claiming that "5.18 has become a sacred area" and describing the situation as "resembling North Korea." In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Min-hee criticized Lee on social media, stating, "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." Lee subsequently posted another message, arguing, "If it was inappropriate, you can criticize it. That criticism is also freedom of expression. However, 'punishment' based on remarks is a denial of fundamental rights," and further claimed, "Even shouting 'Long live Kim Il-sung' in the middle of Seoul should be permitted." Lee has also recently posted a series of critical remarks regarding the government's large-scale investment initiative, the "Three 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), was appointed as vice-chair of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee—a position equivalent to a prime ministerial level—in March, in line with the President's policy of promoting integration and pragmatic appointments. He is known to have been in charge of economic policy for Hong Joon-pyo's camp during the People Power Party's presidential primary last year. Following the presidential office's public warning, Lee eventually switched the relevant social media posts to private. Reported by Lee Ho-geon | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.