Lee Byung-tae faces resignation calls after comparing May 18th Uprising to North Korea

Lee Byung-tae, vice chairman of the Presidential Committee on Regulatory Reform, is facing mounting pressure to resign following controversial remarks that likened the May 18th Gwangju Uprising to North Korea and described it as a "sanctuary." The comments were made in response to disciplinary action taken against the Baejae High School baseball team for using a song that allegedly mocked the historic pro-democracy movement.

“

Remarks made as a free citizen and remarks made by a public official in a responsible position cannot carry the same weight.

The controversy has sparked a debate within the ruling party, with lawmakers calling for Lee's resignation. Kim Nam-joon, a Democratic Party lawmaker and former presidential spokesperson, stated on Facebook that "remarks made as a free citizen and remarks made by a public official in a responsible position cannot carry the same weight." He urged Lee to "voluntarily resign." Choi Min-hee, another Democratic Party lawmaker, echoed these sentiments, writing on Facebook that Lee "does not fit with the Lee Jae-myung administration" and should "resign immediately."

Lee initially deleted the controversial Facebook post but later defended his stance, reiterating his core argument centered on "freedom of expression." He argued that even shouting "Long live Kim Il-sung" in the middle of Seoul should be permitted as a fundamental right. However, the presidential office issued a strong warning, stating that Lee's actions were "inappropriate for someone in a responsible position within a government agency" and requested that such incidents be prevented in the future.

“

The vice chairman does not fit with the Lee Jae-myung administration. Resign immediately.

Critics argue that Lee's statements, particularly coming from a politically influential figure, could be interpreted as condoning the mockery of the May 18th Uprising. Professor Hong Sung-soo of Sookmyung Women's University's Law Department expressed concern, stating, "When politically influential people speak like this, it inevitably sends a message of endorsement, like 'it's okay to cheer like that.' This is very concerning."

“

My core point is 'freedom of expression.' Even shouting 'Long live Kim Il-sung' in the middle of Seoul should be allowed. That is a fundamental right.

Lee, a conservative figure who previously served as policy chief for Hong Joon-pyo's presidential campaign, was appointed to his current role in March as part of President Lee Jae-myung's push for inclusive and pragmatic appointments. This is not the first time Lee has faced criticism; in 2019, he was widely condemned for questioning the Moon Jae-in administration's minimum wage policy by asking "Do you have dementia?" and referring to the Sewol ferry disaster as an "unfortunate traffic accident."

“

When politically influential people speak like this, it inevitably sends a message of endorsement, like 'it's okay to cheer like that.' This is very concerning.