Presidential Office Publicly Warns Regulatory Committee Vice Chairman Over Remarks on 5.18 Uprising

Lee Byung-tae, vice chairman of the Presidential Committee for Rationalizing Regulations, received a public warning from the Presidential Office for inappropriate remarks posted on social media regarding the controversy over a "Starbucks cheer slogan" during a baseball game in Gwangju.

Vice Chairman Lee had posted his personal opinion on social media criticizing the issue, stating that the "May 18th democratization movement has become a sacred cow."

In response to Vice Chairman Lee's remarks, Democratic Party lawmaker Choi Min-hee criticized him on Facebook, asserting that "May 18th is a sacred cow of democracy."

The senior presidential spokesperson pointed out that Vice Chairman Lee's personal post was misleading and contrary to the government's stance against hate and ridicule, suggesting his remarks did not align with government policy.

This incident serves as a case demonstrating how public officials' remarks related to history can cause social repercussions.