Jung Eehan, Busan Mayoral Candidate, Injured During Campaign... Reform New Party: "Clear Act of Terrorism"

Jeong Ihan, the Reform New Party candidate for Busan mayor, was transported to the hospital after being struck by a beverage thrown at him during his campaign and falling over. The Reform New Party condemned the incident, stating, "A physical attack directly targeting a candidate is a clear act of violence that threatens democracy and is virtually an act of terrorism."

Around 8 a.m. on April 27, Jeong was campaigning near Sejeong Town in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, when he tried to dodge a beverage thrown at him and hit his head on a flower bed. As a result of the accident, Jeong lost consciousness and collapsed, and was transported to the hospital.

Jeong Ihan, Reform New Party candidate for Busan mayor. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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It has been reported that Jeong has since regained consciousness and is undergoing a thorough medical examination at the hospital. The police are investigating the circumstances of the incident by interviewing witnesses and analyzing footage from nearby closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

The Reform New Party strongly condemned the incident and called for a swift and rigorous police investigation. A party official emphasized, "Violence can never be justified for any reason, and any attempt to resolve political differences through force is crossing a line that our society must never tolerate."

Reform New Party leader Lee Junseok also commented, "You may choose not to support a candidate, but terrorism itself is an immature act. I heard the perpetrator said, 'How can a young person be mayor?' but Busan, more than any other city, especially needs youth. I urge everyone to pay closer attention to candidate Jeong."

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