3-1-2024 (SEOUL) Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea’s largest opposition Democratic Party, survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, leaving him injured and undergoing vascular reconstruction surgery at Seoul National University Hospital. The incident occurred during an event in Busan, where Lee was attacked and subsequently fell to the ground with visible injuries.
Upon receiving immediate first aid at the scene to halt bleeding, Lee Jae-myung was transported to Pusan National University Hospital by ambulance. Despite suffering a non-life-threatening 1-centimeter laceration on his neck, Lee remained conscious throughout the ordeal. Following emergency treatment in Busan, he was airlifted to Seoul National University Hospital for further medical attention at 1 p.m.
???????????? Le chef de l’opposition en Corée du Sud est poignardé au cou
Le chef du principal parti d’opposition sud-coréen, Lee Jae-myung, a été attaqué à Busan, rapporte Yonhap. pic.twitter.com/gVlks5BAb5
— JMS (@JohnSotthaltz) January 3, 2024
Kwon Chil-seung, chief spokesman of the Democratic Party of Korea, informed the media at Seoul National University Hospital that Lee Jae-myung underwent a two-hour surgery starting at 3:45 pm. The surgical procedure included vascular reconstruction, addressing damage to Lee’s internal jugular vein and removing blood clots. Post-surgery, Lee was transferred to the intensive care unit for recovery.
The police identified the suspect in the case as Kim, a man in his 60s residing in Chungcheongnam-do. At the time of the attack, Kim was found with an 18-centimeter-long weapon, purchased online last year. During police interrogation, Kim admitted to the intention of “intentionally killing someone.” Authorities plan to charge Kim with attempted murder, probing his specific motives and investigating potential behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Expressing deep concern for Lee Jae-myung’s safety, South Korean President Yoon Seok-yue emphasized that such an attack should never occur. President Yoon has directed the police and relevant departments to swiftly uncover the truth and extend optimal support for Lee Jae-myung’s treatment.
