'Lee Jae-myung Attack' Variable... Bimyeong Faction Takes a Breather

'Lee Jae-myung Stabbed'... 'Faction Conflict' Temporarily Halted
'Lee Nak-yeon New Party' Formation Likely Delayed to End of This Month
Democratic Party Holds Emergency Meeting to Discuss Response to Lee's Absence

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, was attacked, causing factional conflicts within the party to temporarily subside. Former leader Lee Nak-yeon, who has officially announced the formation of a new party, and the group 'Principles and Common Sense,' which had warned of a final ultimatum, are expected to postpone their decision timing.

Former leader Lee Nak-yeon decided to delay the party formation schedule originally planned for mid-this month. There is a judgment that if the new party formation is forced amid the turbulent situation inside and outside the party, it could cause a backlash among supporters. Some even mentioned a detailed schedule including an official declaration of withdrawal as early as the 4th and holding a founding meeting around mid-month, but the attack on leader Lee Jae-myung became a variable.

Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was attacked with a weapon during his visit to Busan, is being transported to Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. [Image source=Yonhap News]

There is also a view that a realistic reason for needing more time is the insufficient consolidation of forces. Although former Goyang Mayor Choi Sung and former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Seok-hyun have declared joining the new party, no current Democratic Party lawmakers have declared joining.

Members of the reformist group 'Principles and Common Sense' also planned to hold a meeting that day to issue a final ultimatum. However, it does not seem easy. 'Principles and Common Sense' has so far demanded a transition to an integrated emergency committee on the premise of Lee’s stepping down to the second line. A lawmaker belonging to 'Principles and Common Sense' said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "It seems difficult (to proceed as planned)," adding, "First, the leader needs to recover and the party atmosphere needs to be stabilized."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is announcing the party's stance on political terrorism in front of the Emergency Medical Center at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where he is receiving treatment, along with Hong Ik-pyo, floor leader, and Chung Cheong-rae, Supreme Council member.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The leadership is deeply concerned about the possibility of a prolonged absence of the party leader. In particular, since Lee has been directly in charge of the personnel committee and has acted as the key figure in candidate selection, there are concerns that the Democratic Party’s general election campaign might be disrupted.

The unprecedented incident of the 'terror attack on the leader of the main opposition party' appears to have put a brake on the political confrontation phase. First, Lee was unable to attend President Yoon Seok-youl’s New Year’s greeting event scheduled for that day. The '2+2 consultative body,' formed to urgently handle livelihood bills, was postponed, and the 'double special prosecution law,' which passed the plenary session led by the Democratic Party, has not been sent to the government. However, the presidential office maintains its stance to exercise the right to request reconsideration (veto) as soon as the bill is transmitted.

Meanwhile, Lee is recovering in the intensive care unit after surgery. Park Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said on YTN radio that day, "The leader is currently in the intensive care unit, and family visits are allowed only once a day."

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