Medical experts report that opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of South Korea is recuperating nicely from this week’s attempted assassination.
According to Seoul National University Hospital’s doctor, Min Seung-kee, Lee is “recovering smoothly” as of Thursday.
As the political leader recovers, medical teams will watch for any complications with his condition.
The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, Lee, was viciously attacked on Tuesday while on a visit to the port city of Busan in the south.
News photos of the suspected attacker revealed that he looked to be a man in his 50s or 60s wearing a paper crown with Lee’s name printed on it. In front of a throng of admirers, he approached Lee and asked for an autograph before launching an attack, as seen on camera.
The attacker was promptly neutralized and taken into custody on the spot. His motivation is still a mystery.
On Wednesday, Asan police in South Korea conducted a raid on the attacker’s residence and place of business. The attacker’s phone will also be searched by the authorities.
YTN television reported that Lee had a 1 centimeter-long gash in his neck as a result of the attack.
Lee’s jugular vein was sliced by the knife, Min told the media, and stitches were needed to stop the bleeding.
The Associated Press was informed by a neighbor that the unidentified suspect was a reserved individual who avoided discussing politics.
He added that although the suspect is a real estate agent, he has fallen behind on his rent.
