Seoul, In a shocking incident, South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck by an assailant posing as a supporter. The attack occurred as Lee was surrounded by journalists. The assailant, a man in his 60s, used an 18cm knife, purchased online, to stab Lee on the left side of his neck.
Lee was initially taken to a hospital in Busan and later transferred to Seoul, where he underwent a two-hour surgery. The surgery confirmed damage to the internal jugular vein. Lee is now conscious and recovering in the intensive care unit, according to Kwon Chil-seung of Lee’s Democratic Party.
The attacker, who displayed a pro-Lee slogan, was arrested at the scene. South Korean authorities plan to bring attempted murder charges against him. The assailant expressed his intention to kill Lee to the police.
Lee, a 59-year-old politician and former presidential contender, was walking to his car and talking to reporters when the attacker approached, asking for an autograph. Witness accounts and TV footage depict the chaotic scene, with Lee collapsing as people rushed to help him.
Several high-profile South Korean politicians have faced public attacks in recent years, including an assault on Song Young-gil in 2022 and an attack on Park Geun-hye in 2006.
Lee, who lost the 2022 presidential race, is expected to run for president again in 2027. Despite facing various scandals and calls to step down, recent polls indicate he remains a strong contender.
By AFP
