Lee Byung-tae Resigns After Claiming "5·18 Has Become a Sacred Cow"

[Anchor]

Lee Byung-tae, Vice Chairman of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee, has resigned after claiming that "the May 18 Democratization Movement has become a sacred cow" in response to heavy disciplinary action taken against the Baejae High School baseball team. His resignation follows the presidential office's recommendation that he step down, citing the gravity of the situation.

Reporter Kang Cheongwan has the story.

[Reporter]

The presidential office announced today, July 6, that Vice Chairman Lee Byung-tae of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee had expressed his intention to resign, and that the office had decided to accept it.

The resignation came just two hours after the presidential office issued a statement recommending that he step down voluntarily, stating that the matter was "very serious."

The controversy began on July 2 when Lee posted on social media that "the May 18 movement has become a sacred cow, reminiscent of North Korea," after the Baejae High School baseball team received a six-month suspension for cheering in a manner that mocked the May 18 Democratization Movement.

Although the presidential office issued a stern warning two days ago, calling his actions "inappropriate," Lee continued to argue for "freedom of expression" and effectively refused to apologize. Calls for his resignation had been growing within the ruling party.

Kim Nam-jun, a Democratic Party lawmaker and former presidential spokesperson who is a close aide to President Lee Jae-myung, criticized him yesterday, stating, "The remarks of a free citizen and those of a responsible public official cannot carry the same weight," and added that "voluntary resignation is the only answer." The leadership of the Democratic Party also continued to demand his resignation.

[Interview: Hwang Myung-sun / Democratic Party Lawmaker : A person who denies and insults the history of those who bled for democratization is not qualified to be a member of President Lee Jae-myung's government of national sovereignty.]

Immediately after his resignation, Lee stated on social media, "It was my oversight not to properly consider the political sensitivity," but added, "I still believe that our society should move toward one where people can express their thoughts freely, and I remain proud of having raised a necessary topic of discussion."

Reported by Jung Sang-bo and Ha Ryung | Video by Wi Won-yang | Graphics by Han Heung-soo
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.