Lee Jae-myung 'Byeongsangdangmu' Resumption Possible... Attention on Return Timing

Democratic Party: "Return Decision Based on Medical Staff's Opinion"
Condition Improved but Complications Feared
Party Recruitment and Election Schedule Unavoidably Disrupted
Jang Kyung-tae: "Will Prepare Centered on Supreme Council"

Lee Jae-myung, Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was attacked three days ago, has regained enough strength to communicate, drawing attention to the timing of his return to party duties. Although there are speculations about 'bedside party work,' a hospital stay of around two weeks is expected, making disruptions to the election preparation roadmap centered on Lee inevitable.

On the 5th, Jang Kyung-tae, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, appeared on CBS's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" and said regarding Lee's return to party duties, "The medical staff's opinion is entirely important," adding, "Since the leader instructed to proceed with party affairs without delay, preparations for the general election roadmap will continue through the floor leader or the Supreme Council." Jang also mentioned, "I understand that he can only have very brief conversations in a very low voice right now. Visits are limited but possible."

When asked about the election preparation status, Jang said, "The general election is imminent, so it cannot be postponed indefinitely. The scheduled roadmap, which the leader discussed with the Supreme Council, will be prepared without disruption."

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung receiving a report on the party's by-election status for the Gangseo District Office in Seoul from Secretary-General Jo Jeong-sik and Deputy Secretary-General Lee Hae-sik at Green Hospital in Jungnang-gu, Seoul, last September (Photo by Yonhap News)

According to Seoul National University Hospital, Lee is recovering after undergoing vascular reconstruction surgery due to a stab wound to the neck. He started having thin rice gruel from the previous day and was moved from the intensive care unit to a general ward, but visits from party officials other than family members are not allowed. Due to concerns about complications, a hospital stay of at least ten days to around two weeks is expected. This is why there are concerns that some election preparations, such as forming the nomination management committee or recruiting talent, may slow down.

Kim Young-jin, head of political coordination for the party leader and a Democratic Party lawmaker, appeared on YTN's "News King with Park Ji-hoon" on the same day and said, "We are not considering or judging 'bedside politics' or anything like that," adding, "He needs to recover enough to move within two weeks, and since the injury is on the neck, speaking is quite burdensome and worrisome." However, Kim said, "Fortunately, there is no damage to the vocal cords or airway, so there is no risk of secondary damage, and if he recovers, he will be able to perform normal duties briefly."

Meanwhile, once Lee regains strength, visits from politicians of both ruling and opposition parties, including the presidential office, are expected. The presidential office is also considering visits from Secretary General Lee Kwan-seop and Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Han Oh-seop, and Han Dong-hoon, chairman of the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee, who expressed great concern immediately after the incident, is also expected to visit the hospital room.

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