South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae‑myung survives neck stabbing during press conference
Lee Jae-myung, who leads the Toburo Democratic Party of South Korea, was attacked on his trip to Busan, as reported by the Yonhap agency. According to their report, the politician's neck was injured by a knife-wielding man during a press conference.
8:54 AM EST, January 2, 2024
The AFP agency shared video footage showing the politician walking among a crowd of journalists after visiting a new airport area. A man standing in front of him suddenly lunged at him and stabbed him in the neck," they reported.
An eyewitness reported that Lee Jae-myung "was walking to his car, engaging with reporters, when the assailant asked for an autograph." Shortly after that, the attack occurred.
Following the stabbing, the 59-year-old politician collapsed, and those accompanying him swiftly took action. The attacker was quickly subdued.
Twenty minutes post-incident, Lee Jae-myung was rushed to the hospital. Reports confirm that he remained conscious throughout the journey.
In 2022, Lee Jae-myung lost the presidential election to the conservative candidate, Yoon Suk Yeol. Expressing deep concern for his former opponent's safety, the South Korean President conveyed his message through his spokeswoman. "Yoon emphasized that our society should not tolerate such acts of violence under any circumstances," she stated.
