South Korean Leader Stabbed, Undergoes Hospital Care
The leader of South Korea's political opposition, Lee Jae-myung, was attacked and stabbed during a news conference in the southern port city of Busan on Tuesday morning. The assailant, reportedly a man in his 50s or 60s, was swiftly apprehended at the scene.
Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost the presidential elections in 2022, sustained a 1cm laceration on the left side of his neck. Eyewitnesses reported that the attacker approached Lee Jae-myung under the guise of seeking an autograph before launching the sudden assault.
Videos circulated on social media captured the chaotic scene as Lee Jae-myung collapsed into the crowd after being stabbed. He was promptly attended to and received medical treatment while conscious. Reports from the hospital confirmed that his injuries were not life-threatening.
Authorities swiftly arrested the assailant at the scene, securing the individual responsible for the attack. Details about the assailant's motives or any possible affiliations have not been disclosed.
Lee Jae-myung, 59, leads the Democratic Party of Korea and was a close contender in the 2022 presidential elections, losing by a mere 0.73% margin. Despite not currently holding a legislative position, he is anticipated to contest a seat in the forthcoming general elections in April 2024.
Lee Jae-myung has faced legal challenges, including accusations of corruption and breach of trust, during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam. He has consistently refuted these allegations, attributing them to political motives. The incident draws parallels to previous attacks on South Korean politicians, such as Lee's predecessor, Song Young-gil, who survived an attack in 2022.
The authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the motive behind the attack and any potential accomplices. Details regarding the assailant's background and possible motives are expected to emerge in the coming days.
