South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, survived a knife attack during a visit to Busan, where he was stabbed in the neck by an unidentified assailant. Here are the key details:
Incident Details:
- The attack occurred while Lee Jae-myung, chairman of South Korea’s Democratic Party, was visiting the construction site of a new airport in Busan.
- The assailant, a male suspect in his 60s from south Choongchung province, approached Lee under the pretext of seeking an autograph and then stabbed him in the left side of his neck with a 7-inch-long knife.
- Lee was conscious, experienced minimal blood loss, and was airlifted to Seoul National University Hospital for treatment.
Injuries and Medical Response:
- Lee underwent a two-hour surgery and was reported to be in stable condition in the intensive care unit.
- Doctors suspect damage to the jugular vein, and further medical assessments will be conducted.
Suspect in Custody:
- The male suspect, who confessed to attempting to kill Lee, is currently in custody.
- The police will investigate the suspect with “attempted murder charges.”
Political Response:
- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered an investigation into the attack and emphasized zero tolerance for violence under any circumstances.
- The Democratic Party condemned the act as terrorism aimed at undermining democracy.
Background on Lee Jae-myung:
- Lee lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon Suk Yeol by a narrow margin. He faces corruption allegations but denies legal wrongdoing, accusing Yoon’s government of pursuing a political vendetta.
- Lee’s predecessor, Song Young-gil, was attacked in 2022, and the current incident adds to concerns about political violence.
Historical Context:
- Political figures in South Korea, including U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert in 2015, have been targeted in violent attacks in the past.
- The attack on Lee comes amid heightened tensions and political polarization in the country.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will provide more details on the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack on the opposition leader.