The Attack On Lee Jae-Myung
South Korea’s opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck during a visit to the city of Busan. Mr Lee, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election, sustained a 1cm laceration on the left side of his neck, reports said. He was airlifted to hospital.
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Injuries and Arrest
Doctors say Lee Jae-myung’s wound is not life-threatening. The 66-year-old man who attacked him said he had intended to kill Mr Lee, Yonhap news agency reported. The motive for the attack is unclear. The man was immediately overpowered and arrested.
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Table Summary Attack On Lee Jae-Myung
Heading | Details |
---|---|
Victim | Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea |
Location | Busan, South Korea during a visit to a construction site |
Date | January 2, 2024 |
Incident | Stabbed in the neck by an unidentified man with an 18cm knife |
Injuries | 1cm laceration on the left side of neck, not life-threatening |
Arrest | Attacker, a 66-year-old man, was immediately overpowered and arrested |
Motive | Attacker said he intended to kill Lee Jae-Myung but the motive remains unclear |
Reaction | Shocked the nation. Condemned by politicians including President Yoon Suk Yeol |
Background | Narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election. Expected to run again in 2027 |
Charges | Being prosecuted for corruption charges relating to property deals as mayor |
Security Risk | Attacks on politicians have occurred before in South Korea |
Reaction to the Attack
The brazen daytime attack shocked the nation and prompted condemnation from political parties and politicians, including current President Yoon Suk Yeol. Mr Lee’s party called it “a clear act of democracy destruction”.
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Details of the Attack
Mr Lee was addressing reporters at a news conference during a visit to a construction site in Busan when the attacker reportedly approached him to ask for an autograph. He then lunged forward to stab the politician with an 18cm (7in) knife which the attacker said he bought online, police said.
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Lee Jae-myung’s Background
Mr Lee, 59, currently holds a seat in Incheon in South Korea’s legislature. He narrowly lost the 2022 presidential elections. He is expected to stand in the 2027 presidential elections. Mr Lee said his working-class roots spurred him to want to fight inequality.
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Charges Against Lee Jae-myung
Since losing the presidential vote, Mr Lee has been indicted on corruption and other charges relating to a property project while he was mayor. He has denied the charges. Prosecutors are still investigating other cases linked to corruption in office.
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