A court in South Korea has sentenced a 67-year-old man to 15 years in prison for stabbing Lee Jae-myung. The former leader of the country’s largest political party, the Democratic Party. The incident occurred in January during a public event in the city of Busan, where the assailant approached Lee under the pretense of seeking an autograph before attacking him with a knife.
Lee Jae-myung, who recently resigned as head of the Democratic Party, sustained injuries to his neck in the assault. The assailant, identified only by his surname Kim, confessed to authorities that his intention was to prevent Lee from ascending to the presidency.
During the sentencing hearing at the Busan District Court, the judge emphasized the severity of the crime, describing it as a direct challenge to democracy and a threat to the electoral process, particularly as it occurred ahead of crucial parliamentary elections. The attack drew widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum, including President Yoon Suk Yeol, who denounced it as an act of terrorism.
Investigations revealed that the assailant had recently joined the Democratic Party, although he is not currently affiliated with it. Media reports suggested he had ties to the party’s predecessor, the ruling People Power Party.
The assault took place amid heightened political tensions leading up to South Korea’s parliamentary elections in April, which saw significant gains for Lee’s Democratic Party and other opposition groups against President Yoon Suk Yeol’s conservative administration.
The sentencing marks a significant development in the aftermath of the attack, underscoring South Korea’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the safety of its political leaders amidst a polarized political landscape.