South Korean politician demands apology from official over Gwangju Uprising remarks

A South Korean politician has directly challenged a government committee vice chairman over his controversial remarks about the May 18th Gwangju Uprising, demanding an apology.

“

Please acknowledge your wrongdoing and apologize first, instead of evading responsibility by citing freedom of expression.

Choi Min-hee of the Democratic Party of Korea criticized Lee Byung-tae, vice chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee, for invoking "freedom of expression" after Lee suggested the Gwangju Uprising had become a "sacred cow" and compared it to shouting "Long live Kim Il-sung" in the middle of Seoul.

"Please acknowledge your wrongdoing and apologize first, instead of evading responsibility by citing freedom of expression," Choi stated in a Facebook post. She questioned Lee's stance, asking if he advocated for the abolition of the National Security Act and if his current arguments represented a liberal viewpoint.

“

Is shouting 'Long live Kim Il-sung' anywhere in South Korea not a violation of the National Security Act? Have you ever advocated for the abolition of the National Security Act, or will you start advocating for it from now on from a liberal perspective?

Choi vehemently rejected Lee's assertion that criticizing the Gwangju Uprising falls under freedom of expression, calling it an insult to the victims, their families, and the principles of democracy. Lee, a former economic advisor to ex-Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, was appointed to his current role in March.

“

What freedom of expression is there in distorting and mocking the May 18th Gwangju Uprising? It is an insult to the May 18th martyrs and patriots, and to democracy and the people, based on a distorted historical consciousness.

Presidential Office Senior Secretary for Public Relations Kang Yoo-jung issued a warning to Lee, stating that his personal social media posts were misleading and inappropriate for someone in his position. The office emphasized a firm stance against hate and mockery, demanding that such incidents not recur.

“

Yes, it is. It is a sacred space for democracy.