Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea’s main opposition party, was stabbed in the neck on Tuesday by an unidentified assailant while giving a speech in the southeastern city of Busan. Lee, who suffered injuries to his neck and upper body, was rushed to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition after undergoing surgery.
The Attack
The stabbing occurred around 12:20 p.m. local time at an outdoor pavilion at the Busan train station where Lee was making campaign-related appearances ahead of regional elections (NY Times). An unidentified man climbed onto the stage where Lee was speaking and stabbed him from behind with what appeared to be a knife or other sharp object, according to video footage and witness accounts (ABC).
Lee’s security guards quickly apprehended the attacker while Lee clutched his neck, which was bleeding heavily according to images from the scene. The assailant, described as a man in his 40s or 50s, wore black clothing and some type of head covering resembling a crown (Daily Beast). Police took him into custody at the scene.
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Lee was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital and underwent emergency surgery for his injuries. Doctors said the main opposition leader suffered wounds to his neck and upper torso but that his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening (Reuters).
After a successful surgery, the hospital reported on Tuesday afternoon that Lee was in stable condition and would remain in the intensive care unit for the next day or two before being moved to a general ward (Korea Herald).
Reaction and Investigation
The shocking incident has drawn widespread condemnation across the political spectrum in South Korea. President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered officials to mobilize emergency medical services and ensure Lee’s safety. He called the attack “an intolerable criminal act” and said law enforcement agencies should investigate the case thoroughly and strictly (Korea Times).
Other politicians also voiced outrage, with ruling party leader Chung Jin-suk saying violence cannot be justified under any circumstances. The main opposition Democratic Party canceled all political events for the day as it convened an emergency meeting on the stabbing.
Police have launched an investigation to determine the identity and motive of the attacker. They are analyzing video footage and interviewing witnesses to try to understand the circumstances leading up to the incident. No claims of responsibility have been made so far.
Given Lee’s high profile as opposition leader and recent presidential candidate, authorities are investigating whether the stabbing was politically motivated. South Korea has a history of violent attacks linked to partisan divisions. Former president Park Geun-hye was stabbed at a political rally in 2006, while another former president, Roh Moo-hyun, committed suicide amid a corruption probe in 2009.
Lee Jae-myung Background
Lee, 57, is the head of South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party and was the candidate defeated by current President Yoon last March. As mayor of Seongnam from 2010 to 2018, he gained a reputation as a progressive reformer. Lee promoted himself as representing workers and the poor when he ran for president, calling for universal basic income and increased social spending.
Lee was governor of Gyeonggi Province before mounting his presidential bid last year. Even after his defeat, he remained vocal in leading the opposition bloc as it battled Yoon’s administration over issues from labor reform to investigations of previous administrations.
Recently, Lee had been touring the country ahead of June mayoral and gubernatorial elections seen as a key test for both ruling and opposition camps under the Yoon administration. Surveys showed Lee remained a popular figure among opposition supporters.
What Comes Next
With Lee expected to make a full recovery, attention will now focus on determining the identity and motive behind his attacker. A thorough investigation and prosecution will be necessary to reassure the public amid an already tense political climate.
There may be calls for strengthened security at political events or divisive finger-pointing between rival parties seeking political advantage. But there will also likely be pleas from all sides to avoid an excessive reaction and prevent violence from poisoning partisan debate any further.
In the short term, the opposition party may name an interim replacement for Lee if he requires an extended hospital stay. Looking down the road, some expect Lee to mount another bid for the presidency in 2027. For now, the nation is focused on relief over his survival and desire for his quick return to health.
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