The suspect in the stabbing attack on Lee Jae-myung, the chair of the main opposition Democratic Party, speaks to reporters at a police station in Busan on Jan. 10, 2024, as he is being transported to the prosecution. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Korea Bizwire) — The suspect in the stabbing attack on opposition leader Lee Jae-myung said Wednesday he is sorry for causing concern as he was referred to the prosecution on charges of attempted murder for further investigation and potential indictment.
“I caused concerns. I am sorry,” the 67-year-old suspect, known by his family name Kim, said in response to reporters asking if he had anything to say to Lee as he was escorted into a vehicle at a police station in the southeastern city of Busan.
Kim stabbed Lee, the chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party, in the neck in Busan on Jan. 2. He was immediately arrested at the scene, while Lee was airlifted to Seoul and underwent blood vessel reconstruction surgery.
Lee was set to leave hospital later Wednesday.
During an investigation, Kim said he intended to kill Lee, but a clear motive is still not known.
The Busan police planned to announce the result of their investigation into Kim, including the motive of his crime and whether he had any criminal accomplice, later in the day.
In an “excuse note” Kim wrote ahead of his crime, he reportedly vented resentment toward politicians and lamented the country’s political and economic circumstances.
The police had earlier decided not to disclose his political party affiliation, citing the Political Parties Act, which prohibits an investigative organization from revealing such information obtained during the investigation process.
The police also decided not to make his identity, such as his name and a portrait photo, public, saying that his case did not meet the legal conditions for disclosure. The current law permits the disclosure of the identity of suspects in violent crimes when there is sufficient evidence backing the crime, to meet public interest and people’s right to know.
(Yonhap)
