Busan, South Korea – Lee Jae-myung, the prominent leader of South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party, was the target of a violent attack in the city of Busan. Reports indicate that an unidentified assailant stabbed Lee in the neck, causing grave concern and sparking an immediate response from law enforcement and medical teams.
The attack occurred as Lee was touring the proposed site of a new airport in Busan, surrounded by journalists and supporters. The assailant, who approached Lee under the pretense of asking for an autograph, suddenly drew a knife and aimed for Lee’s neck. The swift actions of Democratic Party officials and the police led to the attacker’s arrest, preventing further harm to Lee.
Following the attack, Lee was rushed to a hospital in Seoul for emergency treatment. Despite sustaining serious injuries, including damage to his jugular vein, Lee underwent surgery and is now reported to be recovering in the intensive care unit. The incident has been described as a terrorist attack by Lee’s party, denouncing it as a threat to democracy.
The suspect, believed to be in his late 60s, confessed to purchasing the weapon online and expressed intentions of causing harm to Lee. Authorities are diligently investigating the motive behind the attack, with potential charges of attempted murder looming over the suspect. President Yoon Suk Yeol has condemned the violence, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards such acts in the country.
Lee’s political career has been marked by controversy, with corruption allegations and clashes with his conservative rivals dominating headlines. Despite his defeat in the presidential election and subsequent legal challenges, Lee remains a polarizing figure in South Korean politics. The recent attack on him has reignited concerns about the safety and security of public figures in the country.
This incident adds to a series of violent acts targeting high-profile individuals in South Korea in recent years, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance. As Lee continues his recovery, the nation awaits further developments in the investigation and hopes for justice to prevail in the face of such brazen attacks.