South Korea’s opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, is recovering in intensive care after being stabbed in the neck during a public event in Busan.
The assailant, who was swiftly detained at the scene, used an 18-centimetre knife purchased online.
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The attack occurred during a public event in Busan, where an assailant lunged at Lee Jae-myung, stabbing him in the neck with a knife.
The attack was quickly condemned by both Lee’s Democratic Party and rival political figures.
Mr Lee was then airlifted to Seoul, where surgeons performed a surgery lasting more than two hours.
The procedure aimed to reconstruct the jugular vein, a major blood vessel in his neck that was damaged during the attack.
Democratic Party floor leader Hong Ik-pyo described the attack as a “challenge against democracy” and called for a speedy investigation.
The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of high-profile political figures during campaign events, prompting calls for enhanced security measures.
Both Lee’s Democratic Party and the conservative People Power Party have urged their members to refrain from making comments that could escalate tensions.
Politicians have been cautioned against making statements that could further inflame voters.
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