Presidential Office Issues Stern Warning to Lee Byung-tae Over "5·18 Sanctuary" Remark

The presidential office has issued a public warning to Lee Byung-tae, Vice Chairman of the presidential Regulatory Rationalization Committee, labeling his recent remarks that "the May 18 Democratization Movement has become a sanctuary" as "inappropriate behavior." The comments were made in relation to the controversy surrounding the "Starbucks" cheering chant used by the Paichai High School baseball team.

Kang Yu-jeong, Senior Presidential Spokesperson, stated on July 4, "Vice Chairman Lee’s posting of personal opinions on social media is misleading and runs contrary to the government’s firm stance against hate and mockery," adding, "It is inappropriate conduct for a person in a responsible position within a government-affiliated organization."

The spokesperson further announced, "We have issued a stern warning and strongly requested that such incidents do not recur."

Previously, when discussions of disciplinary action arose after the Paichai High School team chanted "Let's go to Starbucks" during a game against Gwangju Jeil High School, Lee posted on social media criticizing the situation, claiming that "the May 18 movement has become a sanctuary" and comparing it to "the state of North Korea."

In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Min-hee criticized Lee on Facebook the previous day, stating, "Vice Chairman Lee asks, 'Is May 18 a sanctuary?' I will answer him. Yes, it is. It is a sanctuary 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 further claimed, "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 "Three Mega Projects," a large-scale regional investment initiative, 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 Chairman of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee—a prime ministerial-level position—last March as part of the President's integration and pragmatic personnel policy, and is considered a so-called "New Lee Jae-myung" appointee.

Known for his right-wing leanings, he is reported to have been in charge of economic policy for Hong Joon-pyo's campaign 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.