Busan - Following the stabbing attack on opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, police on Wednesday executed raids on the house and office of the suspect. Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), is currently hospitalized in an intensive care unit after undergoing surgery.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the suspect, a 67-year-old man surnamed Kim, attacked Lee Jae-myung in the neck while disguised as an autograph seeker on Tuesday morning. This incident occurred during Lee's visit to Busan, where he had toured a new airport construction site on Gadeok Island. Kim was promptly detained at the scene.
The police search extended to Kim's residence and his realtor's office in Asan, aiming to uncover the motive behind the attack. Plans to seek a warrant for Kim's formal arrest on charges of attempted murder are underway, following his confession to plotting to kill Lee Jae-myung.
Investigators revealed evidence of premeditation, including the purchase and modification of a 17-centimeter mountaineering knife. They also noted that Kim had tracked Lee Jae-myung's tour schedule across southern cities, arriving in Busan and visiting Ulsan before returning to Busan.
Further investigations led officers to the DP and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) offices to determine if Kim has any political affiliations. This investigation step is deemed crucial in understanding his exact motive.
While initial findings suggested Kim acted alone, the underlying motive of the attack remains unclear. Lee Jae-myung, who sustained an injury to his jugular vein, is receiving care at Seoul National University Hospital following a two-hour surgery. Visitation is restricted to family members only.
The attack, occurring just 100 days before parliamentary elections in April, prompted President Yoon Suk Yeol and various political parties to express concern for Lee's safety and to condemn the violence. Both the PPP and DP have scaled down their activities, with the DP particularly advising against political speculation regarding the attack.