In a shocking incident, South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, narrowly escaped a life-threatening situation when he was stabbed in the neck during a visit to Busan. Having suffered a 1cm laceration on the left side of his neck, Lee was quickly airlifted to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that the wound was not life-threatening.
The assailant, a 66-year-old man, expressed an intent to kill Lee, but the motive behind the attack remains unclear. The brazen daytime assault has sent shockwaves through the nation, drawing condemnation from various political parties, including President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Lee, who heads the Democratic Party of Korea, was addressing reporters at a news conference in Busan when the attacker approached him under the guise of seeking an autograph. Suddenly, the assailant lunged forward with an 18cm knife purchased online, leading to immediate chaos. Fortunately, the attacker was swiftly subdued and apprehended.
Prosecutors plan to bring attempted murder charges against the assailant, as South Korea grapples with the aftermath of this unprecedented act of violence. Videos circulating on social media capture the moment Lee collapses into the crowd, with onlookers attempting to restrain the attacker. Photographs after the incident reveal Lee on the ground, eyes closed, as medical staff attend to the injury.
A spokesperson for Lee’s party expressed concern over a potential injury to the jugular vein, necessitating quick surgery to prevent further bleeding. The attack is being viewed as an assault on democracy, with President Yoon emphasizing that such acts of violence cannot be tolerated.
Lee, 59, currently holds a legislative seat in Incheon, and despite narrowly losing the 2022 presidential election, he remains a prominent political figure. Known for his working-class roots and commitment to fighting inequality, Lee is expected to participate in the 2027 presidential elections.
The incident adds another layer to Lee’s tumultuous post-election period, marked by corruption and breach of trust charges, which he vehemently denies, attributing them to political motives. The attack underscores the challenges faced by South Korean politicians, with Lee’s predecessor, Song Young-gil, also experiencing a physical attack in March 2022.
While South Korea typically maintains a low crime rate, this incident raises concerns about the safety of public figures, prompting a renewed discussion on security measures for politicians in the country. #LeeJaeMyung #SouthKorea #BrazenAttack 🇰🇷🔪