"Lee Assaulted, Unforgivable Terror... A Challenge to Democracy" (Comprehensive Report 2)

Minju Appointed Emergency Supreme Council Member at Seoul National University Hospital
Shocked by Political Terror... Strong Condemnation
Jeong Cheong-rae, Supreme Council Member, "Investigation Without Any Suspicion"

Former President Moon Jae-in stated on the 2nd regarding the stabbing attack on Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, that it was "an unforgivable act of terrorism and a serious challenge to democracy."

On the same day, Moon wrote on Facebook, "Something that should never happen at the beginning of the new year has occurred," adding, "I hope a thorough investigation will be conducted to severely punish the suspect and that measures will be put in place to prevent recurrence."

On the 2nd, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being transported to Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee had planned to visit former President Moon’s residence to offer New Year’s greetings after finishing his schedule in Busan that morning. However, the schedule was canceled after Lee was attacked. Around 1 p.m., Democratic Party Supreme Council members confirmed that Lee was being transferred from Busan National University Hospital to Seoul National University Hospital and then contacted former President Moon. At that time, Moon said, "I was so worried that I was about to go to Busan National University Hospital immediately, but since he is being transferred to Seoul, please focus on Lee’s recovery."

At approximately 10:27 a.m. that day, Lee was stabbed in the left side of his neck with a weapon by a man in his 60s named Kim at the site of the new airport on Gadeokdo Island in Busan and was transported to the hospital. Kim was arrested on the spot by Democratic Party officials and police officers who were nearby immediately after the attack.

Jung Cheong-rae, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said at a briefing following an emergency Supreme Council meeting held at Seoul National University Hospital, where Lee was admitted, "I strongly urge a thorough investigation to clarify the truth of the incident without any suspicion," adding "Although the surgery took longer than expected, it has been completed. We need to monitor the progress. I am horrified by this political terrorism against Lee and strongly condemn it."

Jung explained, "According to the medical staff at Busan National University Hospital, fortunately, the stabbed area was the jugular vein, not the carotid artery," adding, "It was a close call. It was a very urgent and serious situation where his life could have been at risk." He continued, "The Democratic Party will not be shaken by barbaric terrorism or any threats and will move forward steadfastly with the people," and stated, "The party leadership will carry out party affairs without disruption."

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