Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung briefs reporters at the Cheong Wa Dae press room on Thursday. [Yonhap]
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung briefs reporters at the Cheong Wa Dae press room on Thursday. [Yonhap]

Cheong Wa Dae said Saturday it had issued a "stern warning" to Lee Byung-tae, vice chairman of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee, over remarks he made describing the May 18 pro-democracy movement as a "sacred cow." The comments came in response to disciplinary action taken against students from Baejae High School's baseball team who had mocked the movement.

Chief presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a statement that Lee had posted personal opinions on social media, adding that the remarks "could cause misunderstanding, running counter to the government's firm stance of rejecting hatred and ridicule."

She further criticized the comments as "particularly inappropriate conduct for someone in a position of responsibility at a government-affiliated agency."

Kang said the warning had been conveyed on behalf of Cheong Wa Dae and announced that Lee had been "strongly requested to prevent any recurrence."

Earlier, Lee had described the disciplinary action against the Baejae High School baseball players — who had mocked the May 18 pro-democracy movement — as evidence that May 18 had "become a sacred cow," and likened the situation to "North Korea."

As criticism mounted, particularly from within the ruling camp, Lee posted on Facebook arguing for freedom of expression, writing that even shouting "Long live Kim Il-sung" in the heart of Seoul "should be permitted."


moone@heraldcorp.com