Democratic Party: "Lee Jae-myung at risk of jugular vein injury and massive bleeding... Scheduled for surgery at Seoul National University Hospital" (Update)

Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who was receiving treatment in Busan, was transferred to Seoul National University Hospital on the 2nd. Lee, who was attacked in the neck area by an assailant, is scheduled to undergo surgery at Seoul National University Hospital due to concerns about carotid artery damage.

On the same day, Kwon Chil-seung, the Democratic Party spokesperson, stated in a briefing at Busan National University Hospital, "The current condition of the patient (Lee) is suspected to involve carotid artery damage," and added, "The medical team judged that there is a risk of massive additional bleeding, so he was transferred to Seoul National University Hospital for prompt surgery." The helicopter carrying Lee had already left Busan and was en route to Seoul.

He also said, "We strongly condemn the assault terror by the assailant," and called the incident "a clear act of destroying democracy."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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Earlier, after inspecting the site of the new airport in Gadukdo, Busan, and finishing a Q&A session with reporters, Lee was attacked on the left side of his neck by an unidentified man while moving, collapsing while bleeding.

The assailant approached claiming to be a supporter of Lee and requested a sign, then pulled out a weapon and attacked Lee. It is known that the assailant was wearing a crown inscribed with "I am Lee Jae-myung" on his head. The police apprehended the assailant at the scene. The assailant was reportedly carrying a 20cm weapon at the time of arrest and is estimated to be in his 60s.

Lee, who was initially transported by helicopter to Busan National University Hospital, was transferred again by helicopter to Seoul National University Hospital for surgery due to concerns about jugular vein damage and massive bleeding.

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