The Presidential Office said Friday that it had "recommended resignation" for Lee Byoung-tae, vice chairman of the presidential Regulatory Rationalization Committee, who sparked controversy by saying "the May 18 Democratization Movement has become a sanctuary."
The remark came amid controversy over a "Starbucks cheer chant" by the Baejae High School baseball team.
In a notice to the media that day, the Presidential Office said, "The Presidential Office emphasized that, as a key member appointed to a presidential committee carrying significant responsibility and authority, he must strive to align with the government's policy direction, and it took a warning measure." It added, "Subsequently, because the matter is very grave, we recommended Vice Chairman Lee's resignation." It then noted, "Vice Chairman Lee is currently deciding his own course of action."
The Presidential Office said, "The Lee Jae-myung administration will continue its efforts at inclusion, expanding its reach beyond conservative and progressive lines."
