Blue House Recommends Resignation of Lee Byung-tae Amid 5.18 Controversy

On July 6, the Blue House announced that it has recommended the resignation of Lee Byung-tae, Vice Chairman of the President's Regulatory Reform Committee, amid controversy over comments he made regarding the May 18 Democratic Movement.

A Blue House official stated in a media briefing that "as a key member appointed to a presidential committee with significant responsibilities and authority, it is essential to align with the government's policy direction," and that a warning had been issued.

The official added, "Given the seriousness of the matter, we have recommended his resignation, and he is currently considering his position." The official emphasized that the Lee Jae-myung administration will continue efforts to expand inclusivity beyond conservative and progressive lines.

Earlier that morning, Lee had posted a message titled 'The Cost of Upholding Beliefs' on his Facebook page, which he later deleted.

In his post, he quoted the English lawyer and politician Thomas More, stating, "If honor (faith) were beneficial, everyone in the world would be honorable."

Lee had previously claimed that the May 18 incident had become a taboo subject in relation to the disciplinary actions taken against the Baekje High School baseball team for their support slogan 'Starbucks, Let's Go.'

He also referenced Thomas More's refusal to support King Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church over divorce issues, stating, "Ultimately, he fell out of favor with the king and was imprisoned in the Tower of London, where he was executed in 1535."