In a shocking incident, Lee Jae-myung, the 59-year-old leader of South Korea's opposition Democratic Party, was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday after surviving a stabbing attack during a public event in Busan. The assailant, a 67-year-old man whose identity remains undisclosed, confessed to authorities that he acted alone in an attempt to prevent Lee from running for the presidency.
"Suspect's extreme act tied to belief in stopping 'Politics of Hatred,' Police say.
Police Chief Woo Cheol-Mun disclosed that the suspect, dissatisfied with perceived failures to address corruption allegations against Lee, left behind an eight-page note outlining his motives. The suspect, who had been following Lee since June, purchased a knife last April, intending to carry out the attack. Lee, despite facing corruption charges, expressed gratitude to his supporters and called for an end to the divisive political climate, hoping the incident could lead to a return to respectful politics.
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In the wake of this incident, concerns over political tensions and safety have risen, prompting a thorough investigation into the motives behind the attack. The suspect, now in custody, awaits prosecution decisions regarding potential charges of attempted murder.