South Korea was jolted by a shocking incident as opposition leader Lee Jae-Myung faced a terrifying attack during a routine visit to the bustling southern port city of Busan.
The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party was viciously stabbed in the neck, leaving the nation in a state of alarm and disbelief.
The assault, carried out by an unidentified man, occurred amidst Lee’s tour of a proposed airport site.
Reports indicate that the assailant, seemingly in his 50s or 60s, approached Lee wearing a paper crown embellished with Lee’s name, initially seeking an autograph. Suddenly, he lunged forward, causing a severe gash about 1 cm long on Lee’s neck.
The terrifying incident was caught on camera in South Korea when the attacker suddenly moved closer to Lee, who gave a clear grimace before falling to the ground. Even though everything was in disarray, those nearby acted quickly to stop the attacker and stop more damage.
Lee Jae-myung was airlifted to Pusan National University Hospital, where he remains conscious and under medical care.
President Yoon Suk Yeol swiftly condemned the assault, emphasizing its unequivocal unacceptability and expressing grave concern for Lee’s well-being.
Targeted Attacks on South Korean Political Figures
This distressing event marks a disconcerting trend in South Korea’s political landscape, riddled with past instances of violence targeting public figures.
Previous attacks against political leaders, including Lee’s predecessor Song Young-gil and the then-opposition leader Park Geun-hye, underscore the recurring threat faced by prominent figures in the country.
Despite the nation’s stringent gun laws, incidents involving alternative weapons persist, prompting renewed concerns about the safety of political figures and the escalating nature of such attacks.
As the country gears up for parliamentary elections in April, this reprehensible act serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased security measures and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s leaders.
South Korea stands united in condemning this act of violence, hoping for Lee’s swift recovery and a peaceful political landscape for its citizens.
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