South Korean Party Demands Resignation of Official Over Gwangju Uprising Remarks

South Korea's Jo Guk Innovation Party on Friday demanded the resignation of Lee Byung-tae, deputy chairman of the Presidential Committee on Regulatory Innovation. Lee has ignited controversy with recent remarks, including questioning whether the May 18th Gwangju Uprising is a "sacred cow" and suggesting that shouting "Kim Il-sung 만세" (Long live Kim Il-sung) should be permitted. The party's senior spokesperson, Park Byung-eon, stated that Lee was appointed despite concerns, emphasizing that national integration requires respecting constitutional values. Park argued that Lee's comments crossed a line, asserting that the May 18th Gwangju Uprising is a foundational historical event for South Korean society, agreed upon by the public to be included in the preamble of the constitution. The party believes that appointing someone who directly used color-based rhetoric, comparing the uprising to North Korea, is unacceptable under the banner of integration. Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Min-hee also called for Lee's resignation.

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Is the May 18th incident a sacred cow?