Blue House recommends resignation of official who called Gwangju Uprising a 'sacred cow'

The Blue House has recommended the resignation of Lee Byung-tae, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Commission for Regulatory Reform, following his controversial remarks that the May 18th Gwangju Uprising has become a "sacred cow." The presidential office issued a statement on Tuesday, indicating that Lee had been issued a warning and a strong caution due to his position and the need to align with the government's national policy direction.

Given the extreme seriousness of the matter, the Blue House stated that Lee's resignation was subsequently recommended. "Currently, Vice Chairman Lee is in the process of making his own judgment regarding his position," the statement added. The administration emphasized its ongoing commitment to inclusive governance, aiming to expand its reach beyond traditional conservative and progressive boundaries.

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The Blue House has implemented a warning and caution, emphasizing that as a key member appointed to a Presidential Commission with significant responsibility and authority, one must strive to align with the government's national policy direction.

Lee Byung-tae's remarks, made during a meeting of the Presidential Commission for Regulatory Reform on April 15th, have sparked significant controversy. His characterization of the Gwangju Uprising, a pivotal event in South Korea's democratization movement, as a "sacred cow" has been widely criticized as insensitive and disrespectful to the victims and their families.

The Blue House's swift action underscores the government's sensitivity to historical events and its efforts to maintain a unified national narrative. The incident highlights the delicate balance the administration seeks to strike in its pursuit of national reconciliation and inclusive policy-making.

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Given the extreme seriousness of the matter, the Blue House has recommended the resignation of Vice Chairman Lee.