South Korean opposition chief Lee Jae-myung was stabbed within the neck by an unidentified knife-wielding man throughout a go to on Tuesday to the southeastern metropolis of Busan.
Busan’s emergency workplace stated Lee was attacked as he visited the development web site of a brand new airport within the metropolis. It stated Lee, head of the principle opposition Democratic Occasion, was acutely aware however that his precise situation was unknown.
Lee slumped to the bottom, the place an individual pressed a handkerchief to his neck to cease the bleeding.
Movies circulating on social media confirmed the attacker, carrying a paper crown studying “I am Lee Jae-myung,” being chased and tackled by a number of individuals. He was arrested on the spot.
A witness, Jin Jeong-hwa, advised YTN tv that the attacker approached Lee, saying he was a supporter and wished to get his autograph, after which all of a sudden took out a knife-like weapon and stabbed him within the neck. Jin stated Lee bled lots.
President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed deep concern about Lee’s well being and ordered authorities to research the assault, saying such violence wouldn’t be tolerated, in line with Yoon’s workplace.
Lee misplaced the 2022 presidential election to Yoon by a slender margin.
A liberal former provincial governor, Lee is understood for his outspoken type. His supporters see him as an anti-elitist hero who may reform institution politics, eradicate corruption and remedy rising financial inequality. Critics view him as a harmful populist who depends on stoking divisions and demonizing his conservative opponents.
