"Baehyeonjin Assault, 'Political Terrorism' Unacceptable... Unified Political Response with Firm Action"

"Political Terror in Gangnam in Broad Daylight... Shock"

People Power Party lawmaker Baek Hyun-jin was attacked by a man wielding a stone and was transported to a hospital, prompting politicians from both ruling and opposition parties to unite in condemning the political violence and calling for a firm response.

On the 25th, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, posted on his Facebook, "I am deeply pained by this unbelievable incident," adding, "No form of political terrorism should be tolerated. It must be dealt with thoroughly and decisively." He continued, "I pray for the speedy recovery of lawmaker Baek Hyun-jin," and "I offer my deepest condolences to the worried family."

Baek Hyun-jin, Member of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News

Lee Won-wook, co-chair of the Future United Alliance, also stated, "The National Assembly, including both ruling and opposition parties, must come together to end hate politics." On Facebook that day, he said, "Following the attack on leader Lee Jae-myung, another act of violence against a politician has occurred," and pointed out, "The root cause lies in politics, with politicians who have benefited from fostering hate politics, as well as aggressive YouTubers and hooligans who parasitize them for profit."

Lee emphasized, "If we do not break away from hate politics, third and fourth incidents may occur," and urged, "President Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party, and the Democratic Party must declare a break from hate politics. The National Assembly, including both ruling and opposition parties, must come together to end hate politics."

People Power Party lawmaker Tae Young-ho said, "Political terrorism is a serious challenge to democracy in the Republic of Korea." On Facebook, Tae wrote, "I am shocked not only by the fact that a fellow lawmaker I just met in the plenary session was attacked, but also that such political terrorism occurred again in broad daylight in Gangnam, the heart of Seoul," adding, "Politics of hatred, anger, and violence must be eradicated. I hope lawmaker Baek Hyun-jin’s injuries are not serious."

Meanwhile, on the same day at 5 p.m., lawmaker Baek was struck on the head by a man in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. Baek, who sustained injuries, was conscious and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.