The National Assembly’s Steering Committee has passed a resolution calling for the expulsion of lawmaker Lee Jin-sook, following controversy over her remarks about the May 18 democratic uprising, according to MBC 뉴스. The vote took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with the main opposition Democratic Party leading the initiative.
Lee responded to the committee’s decision by questioning whether the move signals the “completion of the sanctification of May 18,” as reported by MBC 뉴스. Her comment came after the resolution was approved, marking an escalation in the political dispute over her earlier statements regarding the 1980 pro-democracy movement in Gwangju.
The resolution was passed with the Democratic Party’s backing, according to YTN. The conservative People Power Party, to which Lee belongs, has dismissed the measure as a political offensive, claiming it is an attempt to divert public attention, as reported by v.daum.net. Yonhap News Agency also confirmed the resolution’s passage, noting it was driven by the ruling party’s majority in the committee.
The May 18 uprising, a pivotal event in South Korea’s democratization history, remains a sensitive topic in national politics. Lee’s remarks, which critics have characterized as downplaying or distorting the event, have reignited partisan tensions. The expulsion resolution is a procedural step, and its ultimate fate will depend on a full vote in the National Assembly plenary session.
What to watch next is whether the opposition will push for a floor vote on the expulsion resolution, a move that would require broader support beyond the committee level.
