Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost the presidential election when he ran in the past, was attacked by an unidentified assailant in Busan today. According to reports South Korea’s main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck while he was campaigning in the southern port city of Busan, according to local media reports.
The Moment Lee Ja-Myung got Stabbed in the Neck was Caught on Video
Lee, who heads the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and was the runner-up in the presidential election last year, was taken to a nearby hospital after the attack. His condition is unknown, but his aides said he was conscious and able to speak.
The incident was captured on video by reporters and bystanders, who witnessed the shocking scene of Lee being attacked by an unknown person as he was walking through a large crowd of supporters and journalists.
The video footage showed that the crowd of people obscured the view, so it was not clear when or how Lee was stabbed. However, it also showed that security guards quickly subdued a man who appeared to be wearing a dark-colored coat and holding a knife.
The police reportedly arrested the suspect at the scene, and are investigating his motive and background. They have not revealed his identity or any other details yet.
According to some reports the DPK is expected to describe attack as a “terrorist act”, and call for a thorough investigation. On social media many people were urging the party members and supporters to stay calm and refrain from any violent or emotional reactions.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) also expressed its shock and sympathy for Lee and his family. The PPP’s interim leader Chung Jin-suk allegedly said that the party would cooperate with the authorities to find out the truth and prevent any further violence.
BREAKING: South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is stabbed during campaign stop; condition unknown
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More Details About Lee Jae-myung’s Background
Lee, 57, is a former mayor of Seongnam, a city near Seoul. He is known for his outspoken and progressive views on social and economic issues. He once ran for presidency, but lost to the conservative candidate Yoon Seok-youl by a narrow margin.
Lee has been facing a series of alleged legal troubles since then, as he was accused of corruption and bribery related to a land development scandal and a football club donation in Seongnam. He has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he was a victim of political persecution.
Lee has been leading the DPK as its chairman, and has been preparing for the upcoming local elections. He has been traveling across the country to rally support for his party and its candidates.
What is the Motive Beind the Lee Jae-myung Stabbing?
The stabbing of Lee Jae-Myung is the latest in a series of violent attacks or incidents involving political figures in South Korea. In 2015, then-President Park Geun-hye was slashed in the face by a man with a razor blade during a speech in Seoul.
In 2019, then-US Ambassador Harry Harris was assaulted by a protester who threw a bucket of manure at him outside his residence in Seoul. In 2020, then-Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon was found dead in an apparent suicide after he was accused of harassment by a former secretary.
