South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol expressed “deep concern” about the attack on Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Lee, 59, was stabbed on the left side of his neck while visiting the southern port city of Busan on Jan. 2.
President Yoon emphasized that “our society should not tolerate such acts of violence under any circumstance,” the president’s office said in a statement. He ordered the police to investigate the incident and ensure that Lee got proper medical treatment.
The Democratic Party’s floor leader Hong Ik-pyo asked party members to “remain calm” after Lee’s attack. Hong convened an emergency parliamentary meeting at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 3. to discuss the party’s future operations.
“We will quickly identify and consult with the leadership about Lee’s condition and party operations at tomorrow’s meeting,” Hong said. “Lee is currently being transported to the hospital while, and the details of his condition and future treatment plan are subject to the judgment of medical staff after arriving at the hospital,” he added.
“I urge you to stay calm and refrain from any political interpretation of the incident or mention of the culprit, other than wishing him well.”
An unidentified man who appeared to be in his 60s or 70s, approached Lee asking for an autograph before lunging forward to stab him on the left side of his neck at approximately 10.25 a.m. using a knifelike weapon, according to the police and live-streamed TV footage. Lee was transferred to a hospital after the attack and the assailant was arrested at the scene.
