Lee Byung-tae, the newly appointed vice chairman of the Presidential Regulatory Reform Committee and professor emeritus at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), has publicly apologized for his past unfiltered remarks. The apology appears to be an attempt to contain the controversy over his qualifications for public office, which has spread even within the ruling party bloc.
"I bow my head and ask forgiveness from all those who were hurt or felt uncomfortable due to my rough expressions in the past," Lee wrote on his Facebook page on Monday.
"At the time, I never imagined I would hold public office. I spoke only from the perspective of a libertarian consumed by the urgency that our country must head in the right direction," he explained.
"As a scholar and citizen, I have expressed my convictions on various social issues without reservation," Lee continued. "In the process, my views were sometimes perceived as trapped in partisan logic, and my manner of expression was at times too sharp, causing controversy."
"Going forward, I will carry out my duties with a solemn sense of responsibility as a public servant and dedicate myself with humility to the development and harmony of our community," he pledged.
The apology came after his past social media posts resurfaced following his appointment as vice chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee. Lee had faced intense criticism after it emerged that he used terms such as "dementia" and "schizophrenia" to criticize former President Moon Jae-in's minimum wage policy, and disparaged the Sewol ferry disaster as "an unfortunate traffic accident" or "a symbol of vulgarity."
Political reaction has been frosty. The Rebuilding Korea Party said Monday that "the vice chairmanship of the Regulatory Reform Committee is effectively a position equivalent to prime minister" and called for "immediate reconsideration of appointing someone with such inappropriate views."
Concerns have also emerged from within the presidential office. Hong Ik-pyo, senior secretary for political affairs, said in a radio interview that Lee's remarks were inappropriate and that "a public explanation and moment of self-reflection are needed."