Lee Jae-Myung; Photo credit REUTERS
In a shocking incident, South Korea‘s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, was attacked and stabbed in the neck during a visit to Busan. The 66-year-old narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election, sustaining a 1cm laceration on the left side of his neck. Although the wound is not life-threatening, the attacker expressed an intention to kill Mr. Lee.
The assailant, a 66-year-old man, approached Lee during a news conference in Busan, posing as a reporter seeking an autograph. Suddenly, he lunged forward with an 18cm knife bought online, leading to a chaotic scene where Lee collapsed, and bystanders intervened to restrain the attacker. Lee was airlifted to the hospital, and while the wound is not deemed fatal, he will undergo surgery to address potential complications.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the nation expressed shock at the brazen assault. Political leaders, including President Yoon Suk Yeol, condemned the violence, emphasizing that such acts should not be tolerated. Prosecutors plan to charge the assailant with attempted murder.
Lee Jae-myung, a key figure leading the Democratic Party of Korea, lost the 2022 presidential race by a mere 0.73% difference in votes, marking the closest presidential race in South Korean history. Despite his defeat, he remains influential and is expected to stand in the 2027 presidential elections. However, since his loss, Lee has faced legal challenges, being indicted on corruption and breach of trust charges related to a property project during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam.
The incident highlights the heightened tensions in South Korean politics and the challenges faced by leaders amidst public scrutiny and legal battles. The nation awaits further developments as the investigation into the attack unfolds.
Photo credit : reuters
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