Seoul Police Detain Accomplice Suspect in Stabbing of Opposition Leader Lee Jae-myung

SEOUL: A man in his 70s has been detained by the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency for allegedly aiding the assailant in the stabbing attack on opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, officials reported on Monday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the individual was placed under emergency detention on Sunday, suspected of assisting the 67-year-old attacker, identified only by his surname Kim, in the commission of the crime. Kim is accused of stabbing Lee, the chairman of the Democratic Party (DP), in Busan on January 2. Following the attack, Lee underwent surgery for a major neck vein injury and is currently recuperating in a Seoul hospital.

Police investigations revealed that prior to the attack, Kim had prepared an "excuse letter" detailing his motives and political beliefs. The detained individual, in his 70s, reportedly agreed to mail this letter on Kim's behalf to an unspecified location. Police are now interrogating him to ascertain whether he was complicit in the planning of the attack.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency also announced that its identity disclosure committee will meet on Tuesday to decide whether to publicly reveal the suspect's personal information. Under current law, the identity of suspects in violent crimes can be disclosed if it serves public interest and there is substantial evidence supporting the crime. The police stated they would immediately make the suspect's identity public should the committee decide in favor of disclosure.

Regarding the assailant Kim, police have resolved not to disclose any information about his political party affiliation, in compliance with the Political Parties Act. This act prohibits investigative organizations from revealing such information acquired during investigations.

The police are scheduled to announce their final findings on the case on Wednesday, which will include details about the suspect's motive for the attack on opposition leader Lee Jae-myung.