South Korean opposition leader stabbed in neck while signing autographs
OAN’s Abril Elfi
11:38 AM – Tuesday, January 2, 2024
South Korea Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck during his visit to Busan.
On Tuesday, 59-year-old Lee was stabbed in the neck by an unidentified man who came up to him, asking for an “autograph.” The man then suddenly pulled out a knife and attempted to kill him.
Lee, the head of the main opposition Democratic Party, had to be airlifted to a hospital in Seoul after he received emergency treatment in Busan.
Lee’s political party later reported that he was recovering at an intensive care unit following a two-hour surgery.
Busan police officer Sohn Jae-han spoke at a briefing and described the incident. He explained that the attacker had approached Lee for an autograph as he walked through a crowd of journalists and then the man abruptly stabbed him in the left side of his neck.
According to Sohn, the suspect is around 67-years-old and he reportedly bought the 7-inch knife online.
Videos on social media have shown the attacker attempting to pose as a supporter of Lee, wearing a paper crown that said “I’m Lee Jae-myung.”
Party spokesman Kwon Chil-seung informed reporters that the politician had undergone revascularization surgery at the Seoul National University Hospital due to damage to his jugular vein.
Lee was also reported to be conscious by police and emergency personnel and was not in critical condition.
Lee’s Democratic Party said that the incident was “a terrorist attack on Lee and a serious threat to democracy.”
Police are now investigating the motive for the attack.
Lee lost the 2022 presidential election to current President Yoon Suk Yeol by 0.7 % points, which was reportedly the narrowest margin ever recorded in a South Korean presidential election.
Lee has been a harsh critic of Yoon’s main policies ever since his defeat. In protest of Yoon’s alleged lack of opposition to Japan’s release of treated radioactive wastewater from its crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, his handling of the nation’s post-pandemic economy, and his strict stance on North Korea, Lee had staged a 24-hour hunger strike last year.
In Seongnam, where Lee served as mayor from 2010 to 2018, one of the many corruption charges against him is that he allegedly “gave illegal favors to a private investor who made enormous profits” from a questionable housing project.
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What are the potential implications of the attacker’s motive in relation to political stability and democracy in South Korea?
Man rights rally in front of the Presidential Blue House earlier this year. He has been vocal about holding the current administration accountable and advocating for the rights of the Korean people.
This recent attack on Lee Jae-myung is deeply concerning and raises questions about the safety of political figures in South Korea. It is alarming that someone was able to get so close to a prominent leader and carry out such a violent act. The fact that the attacker pretended to be a supporter shows a level of planning and deception that is unsettling.
The immediate response to the incident was commendable, with emergency officials quickly attending to Lee and transporting him to a hospital in Seoul. The fact that he received prompt medical attention and underwent surgery is a testament to the efficiency of the emergency response system in South Korea.
The investigation into the motive behind the attack is crucial. While the attacker’s age and the purchase of the weapon online may provide some initial clues, it is important to thoroughly investigate any possible connections to political motives, extremist groups, or personal vendettas. The motive will shed light on the broader implications of the attack and whether there is a larger threat to the political stability and democracy of South Korea.
Political violence should never be tolerated in any form, and it is vital for the government and law enforcement agencies to take swift action in bringing the perpetrator to justice. The safety of political leaders, regardless of their affiliations or ideologies, is essential for the functioning of a democratic society.
Lee Jae-myung’s recovery is being closely monitored, and it is encouraging to hear that he is conscious and in stable condition. However, the fact that this attack took place emphasizes the need for increased security measures for political figures in South Korea. It is essential to strike a balance between accessibility and ensuring the safety of elected officials.
In conclusion, the attack on Lee Jae-myung is a deeply concerning incident that highlights the need for improved security measures and a thorough investigation into the motive behind the attack. The safety of political leaders should be a priority, and any act of violence against them is not just an attack on an individual but also a threat to democracy itself. South Korea must remain vigilant in upholding its democratic values and protecting the rights and safety of its political figures.
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