{"id":2203321,"date":"2024-01-03T08:00:31","date_gmt":"2024-01-02T23:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2203321"},"modified":"2024-01-02T17:40:43","modified_gmt":"2024-01-02T08:40:43","slug":"attack-on-main-opposition-leader-shakes-south-korean-political-scene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/01\/attack-on-main-opposition-leader-shakes-south-korean-political-scene\/","title":{"rendered":"Attack on main opposition leader shakes South Korean political scene"},"content":{"rendered":"
Main opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung was <\/span>stabbed<\/span><\/a> in the neck by an assailant, a <\/span>man<\/span><\/a> in his 60s, while <\/span>touring<\/span><\/a> the construction site of a new airport on Busan\u2019s Gadeok Island. The incident occurred at approximately 10:27 a.m. on Jan. 2, following a press briefing.<\/span><\/p>\n Lee suffered a 0.4-inch (1-centimeter) laceration in his neck from the attack and was initially treated at Pusan National University Hospital. His life is reportedly not at risk. Lee, who remains conscious, was later transferred to Seoul National University Hospital for <\/span>surgery<\/span><\/a>, according to a DP spokesperson. Police arrested the assailant at the scene, who <\/span>reportedly confessed<\/span><\/a> to having the intention to murder Lee. The police are expected to <\/span>charge<\/span><\/a> the assailant with attempted murder.<\/span><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n The attack on Lee Jae-myung has resurfaced concerns about the safety of South Korean politicians. President Yoon Suk-yeol <\/span>expressed<\/span><\/a> \u201cdeep concern\u201d for Lee and instructed the police and other relevant authorities to swiftly investigate the incident. Further, Yoon emphasized that such acts of violence cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Lee, previously <\/span>investigated<\/span><\/a> for alleged corruption involving about $15 million in undue benefits to a developer as Seongnam\u2019s mayor and suspected of illicitly sending $8 million to North Korea as Gyeonggi Province governor, is a controversial figure in South Korean politics.<\/span><\/p>\n The attack on Lee echoes past incidents, notably the <\/span>2006 attack<\/span><\/a> on then-leader of the Grand National Party Park Geun-hye and the <\/span>2022 assault<\/span><\/a> on former DP leader Song Young-gil, underscoring a pattern of violence targeting high-profile political figures.<\/span><\/p>\n With parliamentary elections only 99 days away, and <\/span>polls<\/span><\/a> suggesting a close race, the attack adds further uncertainty to the political race. The DP, already facing potential fragmentation with former leader Lee Nak-yon planning to <\/span>form a new progressive party<\/span><\/a> by Thursday, now grapples with the uncertain impact of this attack on Lee Jae-myung\u2019s political future within the party.<\/span><\/p>\n