South Korean opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung, was stabbed in the neck on Tuesday by a man who infiltrated a crowd pretending to be a supporter. The incident occurred at a construction site in the southern port city of Busan, where the assailant lunged at Lee, striking him in the neck. Lee, bleeding but conscious, was quickly transported to a local university hospital before being flown to Seoul for surgery.
The attacker, wearing a hat with a pro-Lee slogan, was apprehended at the scene by the police. Lee had been conversing with reporters when the assailant, disguised as a supporter, asked for his autograph before launching the attack.
The 59-year-old opposition leader, who lost in the 2022 presidential race, is expected to undergo surgery at Seoul National University Hospital. Police in Busan reported that Lee suffered a one-centimeter laceration on his neck but remained conscious, with minor bleeding.
The assailant’s motive is yet to be determined, and Lee’s opponent in the presidential race, conservative Yoon Suk Yeol, expressed deep concern over the attack, emphasising society’s intolerance for such acts of violence.
Lee Jae-myung, known for his rags-to-riches story, rose to political prominence despite facing various scandals, including corruption charges. He is expected to run for president again in 2027, with recent polls indicating his continued popularity. However, his political career has been marred by legal challenges, including accusations of bribery and breaching duties during his tenure as mayor.
The attack on Lee has been condemned as an act of terror and a serious threat to democracy. The assailant’s motive remains under investigation.