Busan: The minor New Reform Party's candidate running for Busan mayor was injured during street campaigning Monday after a driver in a passenger car sprayed a beverage at him in the southeastern port city.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the incident occurred on a road in the city's northern ward of Geumjeong shortly after 8 a.m. A passenger car approached candidate Jeong Yi-han as he was greeting citizens commuting to work. The driver unexpectedly sprayed the beverage he was drinking at Jeong's face while shouting abusive language and profanities. This sudden attack caused Jeong to lose his balance and fall backward.
Jeong was subsequently taken to a hospital after losing consciousness from hitting his head on the ground. Meanwhile, the driver fled the scene, prompting law enforcement to take immediate action.
Police have initiated an investigation, analyzing witness accounts and surveillance camera footage from the scene and nearby areas to identify and apprehend the suspect. The Busan mayoral election is scheduled to be held as part of the June 3 local elections.