SEOUL – Rep. Bae Hyun-jin of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) made a significant return to public life on Friday, her first appearance since a violent incident left her injured last week.
According to Yonhap News Agency, who serves the eastern Seoul district of Songpa, participated in a party meeting within her constituency, marking eight days since the attack.
The incident involved a 15-year-old boy who assaulted Bae by striking her head multiple times with a rock. Following the attack, Bae was urgently admitted to a hospital in Seoul, where her wounds were treated with staples. She was discharged last Saturday and attended the recent meeting donning a green beanie to cover her injuries.
During her address, Bae expressed a strong desire to move beyond the violence, emphasizing her commitment to fostering a political climate anchored in hope and protection, rather than fear and aggression. "I hope what I've experienced won't turn into a trauma marked by fear. I will try to create a politics based on hope and joy, not one led by dread and fear," she stated, underscoring her dedication to combating violent political practices fueled by hatred.
Bae also took a moment to honor the service and sacrifices of first responders, including paramedics and firefighters. She specifically mentioned two firefighters who tragically lost their lives while battling a blaze in Mungyeong, a central city in Korea, highlighting the need for political figures to support those who risk their lives for public safety.
The PPP leader, Han Dong-hoon, displayed solidarity by attending the Songpa meeting, cancelling other scheduled engagements to support Bae. Han commended Bae's resilience and her refusal to indulge in blame or conspiracy theories following the attack, signaling her as a model of dignified response in the face of adversity.
Bae's return and statements reflect a commitment to resilience and a plea for a more empathetic and secure political environment, as she and her party colleagues navigate the challenges of public service and personal recovery.