Attacks Of Stabbing South Korean Opposition Leaders Driven By Political Confidence

JAKARTA - A man who stabbed South Korea's main opposition leader told police he was taking the move to prevent the politician from becoming president, according to local media reports.

Democratic Party chairman Lee Jae Myung survived after being stabbed in the neck last week in the southern city of Busan port while talking to reporters, reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, January 10.

The 67-year-old male suspect, identified only by his surname Kim, is being investigated on charges of attempted murder, Yonhap news agency reported.

"The suspect said he decided to kill the victim to prevent him from becoming president and... to take the majority of seats in the upcoming general election," said Busan Metropolitan Police Chief Woo Chul-moon.

South Korea is scheduled to hold a legislative election in April, while a new presidential election will be held in 2027.

The attacker also told police he was angry with Lee because the politician was not fairly punished in the midst of his pending trial.

"Kim committed extreme crimes because of his subjective political beliefs," said a police official.

When transferred to the prosecutor's office, Kim told reporters, "I have raised concerns. I'm sorry."

Police said before the attack took place, Kim had prepared a note stating Lee's trial was "delayed due to pro-North Korea's judicial force".

He also stated that he was trying to prevent the politician from becoming president and preventing "his country from falling into the hands of the left wing."

South Korean police have decided not to disclose the affiliation of Kim's political party.