Lee Jae-myung Condemns Pyeongsan Bookstore Staff Assault Incident, Calls for End to Hostile Politics

Wishing a Speedy Recovery to the Victim via Personal SNS
20s Male Suspect in Assault on Pyeongsan Bookstore Employee Arrested

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, recently condemned the assault incident involving an employee at Pyeongsan Bookstore, operated by former President Moon Jae-in after his retirement, stating, "I strongly denounce this horrific criminal act and wish for the victim's speedy recovery." Lee pointed to 'hostile politics' as the background of this incident and emphasized coexistence and unity.

Former President Moon Jae-in is shaking hands with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who visited the private residence in Pyeongsan Village, Yangsan, Gyeongnam, on the afternoon of the 8th.
[Photo by Democratic Party of Korea]

On the 10th, Lee posted on his social media, saying, "Watching the increasingly violent and frequent acts of aggression, I reflect on the role of politics." He continued, "Conflict is inevitable in human society, where countless interests are intertwined. That is why politics is important. We must restore the role of politics to mediate interests, respect, communicate, and unify."

In this post, Lee stated, "Unfortunately, our politics do not do so. Instead of recognizing opponents and respecting different opinions, it has degenerated into 'hostile politics' that thrive on division and conflict." He argued that as politics focuses only on eliminating opponents and dividing the people, conflicts among citizens intensify, leading to physical confrontations. He added, "This is a serious crisis. We can no longer neglect it. We must end hostile politics and restore the essence of politics." Furthermore, he emphasized, "We must create politics of unity, a society of coexistence, and a world where we live together. This is the duty that this era has assigned to current politics."

Earlier, Mr. A is suspected of assaulting a woman in her 40s, an employee who was about to leave work at Pyeongsan Bookstore near the former president’s residence on the evening of the 8th, when Lee Jae-myung visited former President Moon Jae-in, demanding to be allowed to meet the former president. The Yangsan Police Station in Gyeongnam booked Mr. A without detention on charges of injury on the 9th and applied for an arrest warrant on the 10th. The Ulsan District Court judge issued the arrest warrant for Mr. A, citing concerns about flight risk and evidence tampering. On the 10th, the Pyeongsan Bookstore board issued a statement urging a thorough investigation, reporting that the victim suffered a broken left arm and fractures to ribs and vertebrae, sustaining serious injuries.