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Vice Chairman Lee Byung-tae speaks during the first plenary meeting of the Regulatory Reform Committee held at the Blue House on April 15. / Courtesy of Yonhap News

Lee Byung-tae, vice chairman of the presidential Regulatory Reform Committee, resigned on July 6.

His resignation comes four days after sparked controversy on July 2 by stating that the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement had become a "sacred sanctuary."

Kang Yu-jung, senior presidential spokesperson, announced through an official notice, "Vice Chairman Lee expressed his intention to resign, and the presidential office has decided to accept it."

Lee had posted on social media criticizing that the May 18 movement had become a sanctuary, comparing the situation to North Korea. His comments were triggered by disciplinary actions taken against Pai Chai High School after its students chanted slogans like "Let's go to Starbucks" and "Tank Day" during a match against Gwangju Jeil High School, which were criticized for mocking the democratic uprising.

In response, the presidential office issued a stern warning to Lee and strongly demanded measures to prevent any recurrence. Despite the warning, Lee continued to stir controversy by speaking to the media to defend his stance, framing the issue around freedom of expression, and posting an additional remark stating that even shouting "Long live Kim Il-sung" in the middle of Seoul should be permitted.

The presidential office explained that as a key member appointed to a presidential committee with significant responsibility and authority, Lee was expected to align with the administration's policy direction. Consequently, following a severe warning, the office requested his resignation given the gravity of the matter.

Lee also shared his decision on Facebook, stating, "After deep consideration following a request for my resignation, I have decided to step down from the vice-chairmanship to avoid placing a burden on the appointing authority and the government."

However, Lee remained critical, adding, "We all have things we hold sacred. But we must not live in a society where individuals or certain groups force their sanctuaries onto others." He further argued, "Democracy is inherently about power not enforcing such sanctuaries. When power and groups begin to arbitrarily define the boundary between freedom and indulgence, that is exactly where totalitarianism begins."

Regarded as a right-leaning figure, Lee was brought into the Lee Jae-myung administration as part of its inclusive hiring initiative. A business professor at KAIST, Lee had previously managed economic policy for candidate Hong Joon-pyo's campaign during the People Power Party’s presidential primary last year.

                                                                                                             Hong Sun-mi