South Korean opposition party leader, Lee Jae-myung, was the victim of a shocking attack on Tuesday while addressing reporters in the southern port city of Busan. The incident, captured on live-streamed TV footage, showed an unidentified man approaching Lee and stabbing him in the neck with a knifelike weapon. Lee, who is the leader of the Democratic Party, had been leaving through a crowd of reporters and supporters when the attack occurred.
The attacker, disguised as one of Lee's supporters with a crown-shaped headgear bearing his name, managed to approach him amidst the group of TV cameramen. However, quick action from supporters and police officers subdued the assailant, who was then taken into custody. Lee, bleeding from the neck, was immediately rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. The police in Busan confirmed that the attacker had been detained but did not provide further information regarding Lee's condition or the motives behind the attack.
News reports and photos from the scene depicted a chaotic scene with Lee lying on the ground while someone pressed a handkerchief against his neck. Social media videos also circulated, showing the assailant lunging at Lee and striking him in the neck with an unknown object. The footage captured the moment of Lee's collapse, followed by a flurry of activity as individuals, including cameramen, rushed to his aid.
Lee, aged 59, is no stranger to controversy. He narrowly lost the presidential election in 2022 to conservative Yoon Suk Yeol. Since then, he has faced a series of investigations by state prosecutors on corruption and other criminal charges. Despite vehemently denying all allegations, Lee resorted to a 19-day hunger strike in protest, accusing Yoon of using the criminal justice system to intimidate political opponents. While a court refused to grant prosecutors permission to arrest Lee, he still faces the prospect of multiple trials.
In response to the attack, President Yoon expressed deep concern for Lee's safety and ordered a swift investigation into the incident. The president's office issued a statement emphasizing that such acts of violence should not be tolerated in society under any circumstances. Additionally, Yoon pledged to provide support for Lee's medical treatment.
The attack on Lee Jae-myung has sent shockwaves throughout South Korea, prompting concerns about the safety of political figures and the need for heightened security measures. As the investigation unfolds, the nation eagerly awaits updates on Lee's condition and the motives behind this brazen act of violence. This is a developing story that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the political landscape of South Korea.
