Attack Occurs During Visit to 'Gadeokdo New Airport' Site
Chinese Media Give Significant Coverage to Representative Lee's Assault Incident
Ranks High on Chinese SNS Search Terms Like Weibo and Baidu
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was attacked with a weapon by an unidentified man disguised as a supporter during a site visit to the 'Gadeokdo New Airport' location, causing a major shock across mainland China. Major media outlets reported breaking news on the stabbing incident in real time, and the event ranked high in real-time search trends on social networking services (SNS), indicating intense public interest.
The topic related to 'Lee Jae-myung stabbing' is trending among the top search terms on Chinese SNS and online communities. [Photo by Baidu, Weibo]
On the 2nd, China's state-run CCTV reported through its local correspondent in Korea that "the Busan Police Agency has formed an investigation headquarters regarding the assassination attempt on Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung," adding, "It is estimated that there was a 1 cm laceration on the neck, with bleeding stopped at the scene. He was conscious and the amount of bleeding was small."
Other Chinese media outlets also gave significant coverage to the stabbing incident involving Lee. Xinhua News Agency revisited Lee's tumultuous political career, reporting, "Lee was previously regarded as the successor to Moon Jae-in and is a human rights lawyer affiliated with the Democratic Party. He gained much support for his candid remarks, but some criticize him for being too populist."
Not only the media but also SNS and online communities showed high interest in the stabbing incident involving Lee. On Baidu, one of China's leading online platforms, the top search ranking was "Lee Jae-myung attacked with a 30 cm long weapon." Among the top 10 search terms, three were related to the stabbing incident. Detailed searches revealed that despite bleeding, Lee remained conscious, and the suspect was exercising the right to remain silent.
On Weibo, "Lee Jae-myung stabbing" ranked second among all search terms, with related searches such as "Lee Jae-myung not in life-threatening condition" and "Lee Jae-myung attacked with a 30 cm long weapon" appearing in the top 10.
Baidu and Weibo have dedicated news sections for the Lee stabbing incident, providing real-time updates by time slot. Chinese netizens who encountered the incident expressed reactions such as "An unbelievable event has occurred," "Following former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, an unbelievable incident has happened in Korea," and "A supporter wearing a crown of support stabbed him with a knife. It would be better to strengthen security."
Earlier that day, at around 10:27 a.m., Lee was attacked on the left side of his neck by an unidentified man estimated to be in his 60s while answering questions from reporters after inspecting the Gadeokdo New Airport site in Busan. After receiving emergency treatment at the scene, he was transported to Busan National University Hospital while conscious. Due to suspected jugular vein damage, he was transferred to Seoul National University Hospital around 1 p.m.
The Democratic Party of Korea strongly condemned the attack as an act of terrorism and a clear destruction of democracy. The party also urged the public to refrain from making any speculations about Lee's condition.
President Yoon Suk-yeol immediately stated, "Our society must never tolerate acts of violence under any circumstances," and instructed the National Police Agency chief to swiftly ascertain the facts and provide full support for Lee's rapid hospital transfer and treatment. Han Dong-hoon, emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, also urged, "This is something that must never, ever happen in our society," calling for a strict investigation to uncover the truth and hold responsible parties accountable.
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