South Korea's opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung falls after being attacked by an unidentified man during his visit to Busan, South Korea, January 1, 2024

South Korea Opposition Leader Stabbed In The Neck

Posted by: Eninu William in world news January 2, 2024

South Korea ‘s opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck during a visit to the southern city of Busan on Tuesday. He was airlifted to Seoul after receiving emergency treatment, party and emergency officials said.

Lee, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election, was conscious and was flown to Seoul National University Hospital in the capital. A man attacked the politician as he was moving among a crowd of supporters and journalists at a public event.

An official at the Busan National University Hospital, where Lee first received emergency care, said the transfer to Seoul was possible. This is after medical staff determined his condition was not life-threatening based on initial treatment and a CT scan.

Party spokesman Kwon Chil-seung, speaking outside the hospital soon after Lee was airlifted by helicopter, said medical staff suspected damage to a jugular vein that carries blood from the head to the heart.

“There is concern that there could be large hemorrhage or additional hemorrhage, according to medical staff,” Kwon said.

The attack by the assailant, seen in video footage and photographs, unfolded quickly. Lee was touring the site of a proposed airport in Busan.

The man approached wearing a paper crown with Lee’s name on it. He asked for an autograph as Lee spoke among a throng of supporters and reporters. He then lunged forward and attacked him, video footage showed.

South Korea’s opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung speaks during his visit to Busan, South Korea, January 2, 2024.

Television footage and a video clip on X showed the man lunging with his arm stretched out. He then stabbed Lee in the neck, the force of the attack pushing Lee back into the crowd behind him.

Jin Jeong-hwa, a Lee supporter who was at the scene livestreaming the event, told Reuters reporters there were more than two dozen police officers present.

The assailant was quickly subdued by party officials and police officers, the footage showed.

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