Lee Jae-Myung, the leader of the South Korean opposition party, was attacked and stabbed in the neck on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Busan, South Korea, according to a video documenting the incident.
The 59-year-old politician was immediately rushed to hospital at the National University Hospital in Busan, initially by ambulance and then by helicopter, where he underwent surgery. His assailant was apprehended.
Jae-Myung was wounded in the throat, and despite the severity of the injury, reports indicate that he is expected to survive.
The attack occurred just 100 days before crucial legislative elections in April, prompting strong reactions from political figures and the public.
The Democratic Party led by Jae-Myung, which currently holds the majority in the Assembly and aims to retain it in the upcoming polls, condemned the attack considering it a “terrorist act and a threat to democracy,” especially in light of the upcoming elections.
President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed deep concern for Jae-Myung’s safety following the attack, denouncing the violence and emphasizing the need to reject such actions in society.
Jae-Myung, a former laborer and governor of Gyeonggi Province, had put forward progressive policies such as a universal minimum income and free school uniforms during his presidential campaign. However, his candidacy was marred by a series of scandals, including allegations of corruption and ties to organized crime.
The opposition leader has faced ongoing challenges and controversies, including legal proceedings and personal attacks, which have contributed to a turbulent political and public image. He was targeted last year when his family graves were desecrated.
Despite these controversies, Jae-Myung remains a prominent figure in South Korean politics.