Suspect in 'Lee Jae-myung Ambush' Shows Signs of Premeditation... Police Conduct Search of Residence and More (Comprehensive)

Kim Mo (67), who stabbed Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, with a weapon during his visit to Busan, is suspected of having meticulously planned the crime in advance, prompting the police to intensify their investigation by conducting searches of Kim's home and workplace.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency obtained a search warrant from the court on the 3rd and began securing related materials from Kim's real estate office located in Asan, Chungnam, and his residence starting around 1:40 PM that day.

The police plan to investigate whether the crime was premeditated, the motive behind the act, and the involvement of any accomplices based on the seized materials.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, the police revealed that the weapon Kim used to ambush Lee was a hiking knife measuring 17 cm in length with a 12.5 cm blade, and the handle was wrapped with tape. A police official explained that it appears Kim modified the weapon in advance for the crime.

Kim's movements are gradually becoming clearer. According to the police investigation, Kim arrived in Busan on the morning of the 1st, the day before the crime, then went to Ulsan, and returned to Busan on the morning of the 2nd, the day of the attack.

The police are investigating the specific route, suspecting that Kim followed Lee’s visits as he toured Gyeongnam and Busan. Kim was also spotted near the site of a meeting for victims of rental fraud held by the Democratic Party in Busan on the 13th of last month.

The police are also conducting forensic analysis of Kim’s mobile phone to clarify his motive and whether the crime was premeditated.

In consultation with the prosecution, the police plan to apply for an arrest warrant for Kim on charges of attempted murder as early as the same day. It is reported that Kim has stated the attack was carried out alone.

The police explained that since Kim’s party affiliation is a sensitive matter, they are verifying it in accordance with laws and procedures.

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