Song Young-gil Attacked with Blunt Object During Campaign in Sinchon... Lee Calls It an Act Undermining Democracy

Song Resting After Suturing at Severance Hospital
Democratic Party "Strong Condemnation of Threats to Democracy... Will Strengthen Safety Measures"
Justice Party "Unacceptable Serious Crime"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Lee Ki-min] On the 7th, Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was attacked by an unidentified man while campaigning on the streets of Sinchon, Seoul, sustaining a head injury.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, condemned the act as a violation of democracy, and the Democratic Party also issued a statement denouncing the attack.

That day, around 12:15 PM, Leader Song was holding a campaign rally at the plaza in front of Sinchon U-Plex. However, just as the rally was about to begin, an elderly man rushed at Leader Song and struck his head several times with an object believed to be a hammer. The man was subdued on the spot and handed over to the police.

Leader Song received suturing treatment at Sinchon Severance Hospital and is expected to rest. Accordingly, the campaign schedule in Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggi Province, planned for 2 PM, was canceled.

At a campaign rally at Changseon Samgeori in Busan, Candidate Lee said, "Leader Song was hit on the back of the head by an assailant while campaigning in Seoul and was hospitalized," adding, "Violence is an act that damages precious democracy and must never be tolerated."

He added, "Leader Song had previously injured his ankle and campaigned with a crutch, showing fighting spirit. Please give him a round of applause to encourage a speedy recovery and return."

The Democratic Party's campaign communication team also released a statement that afternoon saying, "Interfering with election campaigns through violence is a serious threat to democracy," and "We strongly condemn it."

After hearing the news of the attack, presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, who was campaigning in the region, personally called Leader Song to inquire about his health and well-being, the Democratic Party reported.

The Democratic Party further explained, "The perpetrator is currently under investigation at the Seodaemun Police Station," and "The investigation agency will clarify the circumstances of the incident."

Kwon Hyuk-ki, deputy head of the campaign communication team, said, "There is nothing to comment on regarding the perpetrator at this time," adding, "The police are expected to release a related statement."

Regarding claims that the perpetrator is a pro-Moon Jae-in supporter from the ruling party, he stated, "The Democratic Party should not brief on such stories," and pointed out, "All rumors circulating before the police announce the facts are just hearsay."

The Democratic Party plans to further strengthen safety measures at campaign sites nationwide until election day.

Yeo Young-guk, leader of the Justice Party, also expressed condolences on his social media, saying, "I just received news that Leader Song was attacked with a blunt weapon during a campaign. In a democratic society, violence against others due to differing political views is an absolutely unacceptable serious crime," and wished for Leader Song's speedy recovery.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.