Lee Byung-tae: Defending freedom of expression, not mocking Gwangju Uprising

Lee Byung-tae, deputy chairman of South Korea's Presidential Committee on Regulatory Reform, has defended his controversial remarks regarding the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, asserting that freedom of expression does not equate to freedom from responsibility. His comments follow calls for his resignation from within the ruling party.

“

Freedom of expression does not mean freedom from responsibility.

Lee had previously stated on Facebook that the Gwangju Uprising had become a "sacred cow" and likened the disciplinary action against the Paichai High School baseball team, which used a song allegedly mocking the event, to North Korea's system. He later clarified his position, emphasizing that "the responsibility for reflection is not in the realm of legal punishment, but social condemnation."

He argued that the appropriate response to offensive language is not through regulatory or punitive measures. "We must learn consideration for others as we live, but we must also cultivate a core that is not hurt by others' words," Lee stated. He believes that while freedom of expression should be defended, it must be balanced with the need for societal consideration and individual resilience.

“

The responsibility for reflection is not in the realm of legal punishment, but social condemnation.

Lee's initial remarks drew criticism for trivializing the Gwangju Uprising, a pivotal event in South Korea's democratization movement. His subsequent defense, however, attempts to reframe the debate around the boundaries of free speech, distinguishing between universally accepted ideas and targeted insults, and emphasizing that legal repercussions should be reserved for actions, not mere expressions, unless they incite imminent lawless action.

“

We must learn consideration for others as we live, but we must also cultivate a core that is not hurt by others' words.