Lee Jin-sook faces calls for resignation over Gwangju movement controversy

South Korean lawmaker Lee Jin-sook of the People Power Party is facing intense political pressure following a forum regarding the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. The controversy arose after a presenter at the event referred to the movement as a ‘civil unrest incident’ (소요 사태).

Members of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea have demanded that Lee resign from both her position on the Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee and her seat in the National Assembly. They accused her of hosting a forum that distorts history and insults the victims and citizens of Gwangju. The opposition has submitted a resolution to expel her from the legislature.

Within her own party, the response has been divided. While the People Power Party leadership stated they are not currently considering disciplinary action—arguing the forum was an academic event and that Lee’s personal views were not explicitly tied to the presenters' remarks—internal criticism has emerged. Approximately 3,700 party members submitted a petition to the ethics committee demanding her discipline, citing her presence alongside controversial figures. Some fellow lawmakers have also called for her expulsion, stating her actions violated party principles.