South Korea’s Busan District Court has sentenced a man to 15 years in prison for the attempted murder of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, according to reports from local media. The court also found the defendant guilty of violating the Public Official Election Act. The verdict was handed down by Judge Kim Yong-gyun, who noted the severe nature of the crime.
The court pointed out that the crime was “not only an attempt to deprive an individual of the right to life but also an attack concerning the parliamentary election, thereby obstructing election freedom,” highlighted Judge Kim. The assailant, identified by the police as Mr. Kim, a 67-year-old man, reportedly practiced stabbing motions and followed Lee to five public events before carrying out the attack.
The attempt on Lee’s life occurred in January, where the assailant approached Lee under the pretense of requesting an autograph before stabbing him in the neck. This left Lee requiring surgery and a subsequent hospitalization lasting eight days. Post-incident, Lee called for an end to “politics of hatred” in South Korea. The attacker later admitted to police that his intention was to prevent Lee from becoming South Korea’s president.
The court’s decision to impose a 15-year sentence reflects the premeditated and violent nature of the attack. Additionally, the court questioned the sincerity of the defendant’s apology, noting that he had previously compared himself to an independent fighter and remained insistent on his motives.
The defense and prosecution have been given one week to appeal the decision. This case adds another layer of complexity for Lee, who is already facing a political landscape riddled with challenges. He remains a prominent figure ahead of South Korea’s presidential elections in 2027, despite recent indictments on bribery charges, which he has denied.
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