Lee Byung-tae, the former vice chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee, urged President Lee Jae-myung to apologize on July 22 regarding the controversy surrounding the Baejae High School baseball team's 'Starbucks cheer.'
In a post on his Facebook page, Lee stated, "The root cause of the Baejae incident is President Lee Jae-myung," asserting that the issue began when the president irresponsibly mocked Starbucks Korea's marketing on social media, linking it to unfortunate events from the past democratization process. He described this as the starting point and entirety of the problem.
He characterized the situation as an example of the conflict among citizens caused by the arrogance of those in power who consider themselves historical judges. Lee mentioned that he conveyed to the Presidential Secretary for National Integration that the president should apologize.
Lee added, "I don't know if that message was delivered, but the one responsible has remained silent so far."
Previously, President Lee criticized Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' event on social media during the May 18 Democratic Uprising anniversary, expressing his anger over what he called the 'inhumane behavior of a low-quality merchant' and stating that there should be corresponding moral, legal, and political accountability.
Following this, some players from the Baejae High School baseball team faced disciplinary action from the Korea Baseball Softball Association for their cheers, including 'Let's go Starbucks,' which led to further controversy. Lee had previously posted on social media, stating, "May 18 has become a sanctuary" and likening the situation to North Korea.
Regarding his comments about the sanctification of May 18, Lee argued that it is due to those who seek to monopolize the political symbolism and meaning of history and specific events, such as the Sewol ferry disaster, while using political tactics to stigmatize and dehumanize opponents.
He stated, "I will continue to question who is responsible for the conflict between Honam and non-Honam regions caused by partisan politics: is it Lee Byung-tae or President Lee Jae-myung?"
Following the controversy over the Baejae High School baseball team's cheers and his statement that 'May 18 has become a sanctuary,' Lee Byung-tae voluntarily resigned from his position as vice chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee.
In a post on his Facebook page, Lee stated, "The root cause of the Baejae incident is President Lee Jae-myung," asserting that the issue began when the president irresponsibly mocked Starbucks Korea's marketing on social media, linking it to unfortunate events from the past democratization process. He described this as the starting point and entirety of the problem.
He characterized the situation as an example of the conflict among citizens caused by the arrogance of those in power who consider themselves historical judges. Lee mentioned that he conveyed to the Presidential Secretary for National Integration that the president should apologize.
Lee added, "I don't know if that message was delivered, but the one responsible has remained silent so far."
Previously, President Lee criticized Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' event on social media during the May 18 Democratic Uprising anniversary, expressing his anger over what he called the 'inhumane behavior of a low-quality merchant' and stating that there should be corresponding moral, legal, and political accountability.
Following this, some players from the Baejae High School baseball team faced disciplinary action from the Korea Baseball Softball Association for their cheers, including 'Let's go Starbucks,' which led to further controversy. Lee had previously posted on social media, stating, "May 18 has become a sanctuary" and likening the situation to North Korea.
Regarding his comments about the sanctification of May 18, Lee argued that it is due to those who seek to monopolize the political symbolism and meaning of history and specific events, such as the Sewol ferry disaster, while using political tactics to stigmatize and dehumanize opponents.
He stated, "I will continue to question who is responsible for the conflict between Honam and non-Honam regions caused by partisan politics: is it Lee Byung-tae or President Lee Jae-myung?"
Following the controversy over the Baejae High School baseball team's cheers and his statement that 'May 18 has become a sanctuary,' Lee Byung-tae voluntarily resigned from his position as vice chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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