Moon Jae-in "Tried to go to Busan National University Hospital... Please focus on Lee Jae-myung's speedy recovery"

Former President Moon Jae-in said on the 2nd regarding the attack on Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, "I was so worried that I was about to go to (Busan National University Hospital) right away, but since he is going to Seoul, please focus on Lee's speedy recovery."

The Democratic Party stated that former President Moon mentioned this during a phone call with the party's Supreme Council members on the same day. When the Supreme Council members explained that the originally scheduled Pyeongsan Village event was inevitably disrupted due to the attack on the leader, they said, "We fully understand the meaning," and added, "Right now, the top priority is to accompany the leader and manage the situation. Please devote your best efforts to this matter."

Earlier, after inspecting the site of the new airport in Gadeokdo, Busan, Lee was attacked on the left side of his neck by an unidentified man while moving after a Q&A session with reporters, collapsing while bleeding.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Originally, after inspecting the new airport site, Lee planned to move to Yangsan City, Gyeongnam Province, to visit former President Moon Jae-in and have lunch together. However, due to the sudden attack, the visit to Yangsan and other schedules were urgently canceled.

The assailant approached claiming to be a supporter of Lee and requesting a sign, then pulled out a weapon and attacked Lee. It is reported that the assailant was wearing a crown with "I am Lee Jae-myung" written on it. The police apprehended the attacker at the scene. The assailant was reportedly carrying a 20cm weapon at the time of arrest and is estimated to be in his 60s.

Lee, who was transported by helicopter to Busan National University Hospital, was transferred back to Seoul National University Hospital by helicopter due to concerns about jugular vein damage and massive bleeding, where surgery was planned.