Main opposition leader in South Korea stabbed in the neck

According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, the incident occurred in the morning hours while Lee Jae-myung was visiting a construction site on Gadeok Island in Busan.

The attacker, who approached Lee under the pretext of getting an autograph while he was answering questions from members of the press, wounded him in the neck with a sharp object he was holding.

Following the attack, Lee, who was conscious despite bleeding from his neck, was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The attacker, who was identified as male, was apprehended at the scene, though no detailed information regarding his identity or description has been provided yet.

Presidential Spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung stated that President Yoon Suk Yeol had issued instructions for Lee to be rushed to the hospital for treatment as quickly as possible and for the attack to be investigated to determine the facts.

Kim conveyed that Yoon emphasized that such an attack could not be tolerated under any circumstances.

NO LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES

Although Lee's injuries from the knife attack are not life-threatening, he was taken to the capital, Seoul, for surgery due to concerns about further bleeding.

Fire department officials stated in their announcement that the main opposition leader was taken to a university hospital in Busan due to the knife wound on his neck.

Officials announced that after his initial treatment was completed there, Lee was transported by helicopter to Seoul to undergo surgery.

A statement from the Democratic Party also noted that there were concerns regarding significant bleeding around Lee's jugular vein.

The statement further emphasized that the attack in question was an act of terror and a threat to democracy.

In footage uploaded to social media, it was determined that the suspect had also been seen at an event Lee attended in the city of Busan one month ago.

Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency Yoon Hee-keun announced in a press statement that a special team had been established to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attack.

Police officials have not yet made any statement regarding the suspect's identity or the motive for the attack.

News Source: AA