Stabbing Incident Targets South Korean Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung
In a startling turn of events that has sent shockwaves across South Korea, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung narrowly escaped a potentially fatal attack during his visit to the city of Busan. The assailant, a 66-year-old man, targeted the 59-year-old politician with a knife, leaving him with a 1cm laceration on the left side of his neck. Lee, who lost the 2022 presidential election by a slim margin, was immediately airlifted to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that the wound, fortunately, is not life-threatening.
The assailant’s chilling admission that he intended to kill Mr. Lee has left the nation grappling with the motive behind this brazen daytime attack. The incident unfolded as Lee was addressing reporters at a news conference during his visit to a construction site in the bustling port city of Busan. The attacker, seemingly approaching for an autograph, abruptly lunged forward with an 18cm (7in) knife, sparking chaos and panic.
Videos posted on social media captured the chaotic scene, showing Lee collapsing into the crowd and onto the ground while individuals attempted to restrain the attacker. The quick response from those present led to the immediate apprehension of the assailant, who is now in police custody. Prosecutors are poised to bring attempted murder charges against the man, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Lee Jae-myung: South Korea opposition leader stabbed in neck on visit to Busan
President Yoon Suk Yeol and political leaders from various parties swiftly condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of maintaining civility and security in South Korea’s political landscape. President Yoon was quoted saying, “South Korea should not tolerate such acts of violence under any circumstance.”
Lee Jae-myung, a former civil rights attorney with humble beginnings, has been a prominent figure in South Korean politics. His defeat in the 2022 presidential election by a mere 0.73% difference in votes marked one of the closest races in the country’s history. Despite the loss, Lee remains a resilient force, currently holding a seat in Incheon in South Korea’s legislature and is widely expected to stand in the 2027 presidential elections.
However, Lee’s political journey has been tumultuous. Since losing the 2022 election, he has faced corruption and breach of trust charges, vehemently denying any wrongdoing and attributing the allegations to political motives. The attack comes as an alarming escalation in the already charged political atmosphere, with Lee being a vocal critic of President Yoon’s policies.Lee Jae-myung
Twitter Stabbing Incident Targets South Korean Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung
BREAKING: South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has been stabbed in the neck
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 2, 2024
The incident raises questions about the security of political figures in South Korea. While the country boasts a generally low crime rate, the rise in mass stabbing attacks in recent years has raised concerns. Strict regulations surrounding the possession of weapons, including guns, have not prevented previous attacks on politicians. This incident adds to a list of unfortunate events, including an attack on Lee’s predecessor, Song Young-gil, in March 2022.
As South Korea grapples with the aftermath of this shocking incident, questions loom over the broader implications for the nation’s political landscape and the challenges of ensuring the safety and security of its leaders. The coming days are likely to see increased scrutiny on political security measures and a collective reflection on fostering a more secure and civil political discourse in the country.
Excerpt from the newspaper Lee Jae-myung bbc.com
