Suffering Headaches and Hearing Loss After Last January's Attack
Undergoes Craniotomy; Currently Focused on Recovery and Treatment
It has been reported that People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyunjin, who was attacked last year, recently underwent a surgical procedure involving the removal of part of her skull due to lingering aftereffects.
On the 17th, multiple media outlets reported that earlier this month, Representative Bae underwent a craniotomy at Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul.
A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the skull is removed to expose the brain. It is reported that Representative Bae decided to undergo the surgery after a detailed examination revealed damage to the internal bone beneath her brain, and the procedure was performed to restore function. She is currently focusing on treatment for her recovery and is expected to resume her legislative activities depending on her future health condition.
After the attack, People Power Party lawmaker Hyunjin Bae made her first public appearance in February 2024. Photo by Yonhap News
On January 25 last year, Representative Bae suffered a serious head injury when she was attacked with a blunt object by a middle school student, identified as "A," in front of a building in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. At the time, she collapsed while bleeding and was transported to the hospital, where she underwent emergency suturing surgery and received inpatient treatment for three days.
Since the incident, Representative Bae reportedly experienced hearing loss, dizziness, and headaches, making it difficult for her to carry out her legislative duties. A staff member from her office stated, "She had been suffering from pain severe enough to interfere with her work due to the aftereffects, which led to this surgery," and added, "After being discharged, she is focusing on her recovery and plans to return to her legislative activities as soon as possible."
Investigations found that student "A" had gone to the building on the day of the incident hoping to see a celebrity, and happened to spot Representative Bae, whom he then struck on the head with a stone. During the police investigation, he claimed to have been in a state of mental incapacity, but prosecutors concluded that it was an impulsive crime committed to attract media attention.
In February, the Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 26 sentenced "A," who was indicted on charges of aggravated assault, to one year in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered probation and psychiatric treatment.
Immediately after the incident, Representative Bae posted on social media, saying, "I realized firsthand that this was a horrific incident that could happen to anyone," and pledged, "After my recovery, I will work to protect the safety of the public and local residents."
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