In a startling incident that has shaken the nation, South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, was stabbed in the neck during a public appearance in the city of Busan. The brazen attack took place on Tuesday morning as Mr. Lee was addressing reporters at a construction site.
The Shocking Attack and Immediate Response
According to reports, a 66-year-old attacker approached Mr. Lee, pretending to seek an autograph. Without warning, the attacker lunged forward with an 18cm (7in) knife, leaving a 1cm laceration on the left side of the politician’s neck. Swift action from onlookers led to the immediate apprehension of the attacker, who expressed his intent to kill Mr. Lee.
Mr. Lee was airlifted to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that the injury is not life-threatening. Videos circulating on social media captured the chaotic scene, showing Mr. Lee fell among the people and then collapsed on the ground. Medical staff on-site suspected damage to his jugular vein, emphasizing the need for prompt surgery to prevent further bleeding.
Political Condemnation and Legal Action
Political parties and prominent leaders, among them the current President Yoon Suk Yeol, promptly expressed condemnation for the attack on Mr. Lee. President Yoon firmly stated that instances of violence should find no acceptance within South Korea’s boundaries. The prosecutors are gearing up to levy charges of attempted murder against the assailant, although the underlying motives for the attack remain shrouded in uncertainty.
The Democratic Party of Korea, led by Mr. Lee, characterized the incident as a blatant act aimed at demolishing the foundations of democracy. They underscored the seriousness of the assault on a key political figure, emphasizing the potential implications for the democratic process. This shocking attack transpired at a crucial juncture when Mr. Lee, despite his narrow loss in the 2022 presidential election, continues to wield influence and actively participate in shaping South Korean politics.
At 59 years old, Lee Jae-myung currently holds a seat in South Korea’s legislature, representing Incheon. Known for his working-class roots and a background as a civil rights attorney, Mr. Lee narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election by a mere 0.73% difference in votes to President Yoon. Despite the setback, he is widely expected to contend in the 2027 presidential elections.
Raised in poverty and having worked in factories as a child, Mr. Lee advocates for fighting inequality. His impoverished upbringing stands in stark contrast to the wealth of many South Korean parliamentarians, with an average net worth of 2.3 billion won.
Legal Challenges and Political Climate
Since his defeat in 2022, Lee has encountered legal hurdles, having been formally charged with offenses related to corruption and breach of trust. He strongly refutes these allegations, attributing them to political motivations. The attack follows a period of heightened political tension, marked by a hunger strike staged by Mr. Lee to protest President Yoon’s foreign and domestic policies.
South Korea’s crime rate is generally low, and the country imposes strict regulations on weapons possession. However, there has been an uptick in mass stabbing attacks in the past year. Most public figures, including politicians, do not typically receive extensive security protection.
History of Political Attacks in South Korea
Instances of South Korean politicians experiencing physical assaults are not unprecedented. In March 2022, Song Young-gil, the predecessor of Mr. Lee as the Democratic Party leader, encountered an attack with a blunt object while engaged in a campaign. In 2006, conservative party leader Park Geun-hye, later to become president, was attacked with a knife, leaving a scar on her face. Unfortunately, in 1979, President Park Chung-hee met a tragic end when he was shot and killed by his chief of intelligence during a private dinner.
As the nation grapples with the shock of this recent attack on Lee Jae-myung, questions linger about the broader implications for political discourse and security measures in South Korea.
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