In a terrifying incident that has sent shockwaves through South Korean politics, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was violently attacked during a public engagement in Busan. The Democratic Party chief was stabbed in the neck by an assailant posing as a supporter, raising alarming questions about political security in one of Asia's most developed democracies.
Chaotic Scene in Busan
The attack unfolded during Mr Lee's visit to the proposed site of a new airport on Gadeok Island. As he answered reporters' questions, a man in his sixties approached wearing a paper crown inscribed with the politician's name - a common show of support at Korean political events. Without warning, the individual lunged forward and plunged a knife into the left side of Mr Lee's neck.
Chaos erupted as security personnel and aides rushed to subdue the attacker while administering emergency first aid to the bleeding politician. Dramatic footage captured the moment Mr Lee collapsed to the ground, his face contorted in pain as staff applied pressure to the wound.
Emergency Surgery and Recovery
The 59-year-old politician was initially treated at a local Busan hospital before being airlifted to Seoul National University Hospital for specialised care. Medical officials confirmed he underwent a two-hour operation to repair significant damage to his jugular vein.
"The injury was about one centimetre long and the bleeding was severe," hospital representatives stated. "Fortunately, the surgery was successful and there appear to be no abnormalities in his brain function."
International Outrage and Condemnation
The assassination attempt prompted swift condemnation from across the political spectrum and around the world. President Yoon Suk Yeol, Mr Lee's political rival, described the attack as "an unforgivable act of terror" that threatened the foundations of democracy.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed "strong condemnation against violence of any form," while other world leaders joined in expressing relief that the outcome wasn't fatal.
Political Tensions Boil Over
This violent incident occurs against a backdrop of intense political polarisation in South Korea. Mr Lee, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to Mr Yoon, faces multiple corruption investigations that he claims are politically motivated.
Just last year, the opposition leader endured a 24-day hunger strike protesting government policies, including its stance on Japan's release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant.
The attack raises serious questions about the security protocols surrounding high-profile politicians in South Korea and the potential for political divisions to escalate into physical violence. As Mr Lee begins his recovery, the nation is left grappling with the disturbing reality that its democratic processes have been marred by an act that echoes darker chapters in the country's political history.
