67-Year-Old Male Resident of Chungnam... Party Affiliation Unconfirmed
"Purchased Weapon Online" Statement... Charged with Attempted Murder
Ruling and Opposition Parties United in Demanding Truth and Wishing Recovery
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was attacked with a weapon during his visit to Busan on the 2nd. Lee was transported to Busan National University Hospital for emergency treatment and then airlifted to Seoul National University Hospital. He underwent surgery for about two hours, including vascular reconstruction, due to damage to his internal jugular vein, and was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Senior spokesperson Kwon Chil-seung explained the surgical progress to reporters at 5:56 p.m. that day, based on the surgeon's briefing to the family. According to Kwon, it was confirmed that Lee’s internal jugular vein was damaged, and he underwent vascular reconstruction surgery. Due to a larger-than-expected amount of blood clots leaking from the vein, a tube was inserted during surgery, and he was moved to the intensive care unit. When asked whether the suspect Kim (67) was a member of the Democratic Party, Kwon replied, "As far as I know, there has been no official confirmation request from the investigative authorities." Regarding whether Kim had a history of joining the People Power Party, he said, "That is not something we need to verify."
On the 2nd, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being transported to Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Posing as a Supporter to Request an Autograph... Wielded an 18cm Weapon
At around 10:27 a.m. that day, after inspecting the site of the new Busan Gadeok Airport, Lee was attacked on the left side of his neck with an 18cm-long weapon by Kim while moving by car. Although Lee was bleeding at the time, he did not lose consciousness. The Democratic Party leadership and party officials immediately called 119 and performed emergency measures such as stopping the bleeding. Kim committed the crime while pretending to be a supporter, asking for an autograph and extending a pen near Lee. Kim is known to have retired from a job in Seoul and is currently working as a real estate agent in Asan City, Chungnam Province.
The police stated, "Kim testified during the investigation that he had the intent to kill Lee Jae-myung." It was confirmed that the weapon used in the attack was purchased online. The police have applied attempted murder charges against Kim and plan to investigate the specific motive and whether there was any accomplice.
On the 2nd, Kwon Chil-seung, the chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving a briefing in front of Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Yoon Expresses “Deep Concern”... Moon Calls It an “Unforgivable Terrorist Act”
President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed "deep concern" over the attack on Lee, saying, "An event that should never have happened has occurred," according to Kim Soo-kyung, spokesperson for the presidential office. President Yoon instructed the police and related authorities to swiftly ascertain the facts and to do their utmost to support Lee’s rapid hospital transfer and treatment.
Former President Moon Jae-in posted on his Facebook that "An event that should never happen at the beginning of the new year has occurred. It is an unforgivable terrorist act and a serious challenge to democracy." He added, "I hope a thorough investigation will be conducted to severely punish the suspect and that measures will be put in place to prevent recurrence." Lee had planned to visit former President Moon’s residence to offer New Year greetings after completing his Busan schedule that morning. However, the schedule was canceled due to the attack.
Both ruling and opposition parties voiced a unified call for fact-finding and wished for Lee’s speedy recovery. Han Dong-hoon, emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, said, "This is something that must never, ever happen in our society," and "I sincerely wish for Leader Lee’s swift recovery." He urged, "The investigative authorities must conduct a strict and swift investigation to reveal the truth and hold those responsible fully accountable." Democratic Party senior spokesperson Kwon Chil-seung strongly condemned the terrorist act by the assailant, calling it a "clear act of destroying democracy." Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon said, "I cannot suppress my shock and anger," and "I earnestly hope that Leader Lee’s injuries are not severe and that he recovers quickly." Kim Jun-woo, emergency committee chairman of the Justice Party, expressed "deep regret over the stabbing attack on Leader Lee Jae-myung and sincerely wishes him a speedy recovery."
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