In a shocking incident that highlights the intensifying political polarization in South Korea, a governing party lawmaker was attacked on Thursday and suffered lacerations to her head. The assailant, an unidentified man, struck lawmaker Bae Hyunjin with what appeared to be a rock-like object. The attack occurred in southern Seoul and raises concerns about the ongoing tensions within the country's political landscape.
South Korean police and fire officials swiftly responded to the scene and arrested a suspect. Reports suggest that the assailant approached Bae and questioned her identity as a lawmaker before launching the violent attack. Bae's aides confirmed the incident. However, calls to her office went unanswered.
Bae, a former television news presenter, was elected as a lawmaker in 2020 and is regarded as a close confidant of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Following the assault, she was rushed to a hospital in Seoul where she received medical treatment for minor injuries to her head, including scratches and a cut. Thankfully, despite the force of the attack causing Bae to fall, there were no signs of serious internal injuries or a concussion, according to Dr. Park Sukh Que, a neurosurgeon at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital.
Speaking at a news conference, Dr. Park expressed relief that the bleeding was not severe but noted that Bae is experiencing a headache and some post-incident anxiety. While she remains in stable condition, her recovery and well-being will continue to be closely monitored.
This distressing incident comes just weeks after opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed in the neck by another attacker in the city of Busan. The assailant in that case confessed his intention was to prevent Lee from becoming a future president. After eight days of treatment, Lee was discharged from the hospital.
Expressing his solidarity with Bae, Lee condemned the attack as an act of 'political terrorism' that cannot be tolerated. He called for a thorough and decisive response, emphasizing the need for a swift investigation and strict punishment for the assailant. Similarly, Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the governing People Power Party, demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
Thae Yong Ho, another lawmaker from the party, regarded the attack as a 'serious challenge' to South Korea's democracy. Urging an end to politics infused with hate, anger, and violence, Thae highlighted the need for a more peaceful and respectful political climate.
As South Korea grapples with the aftermath of this shocking incident, the focus now turns to ensuring the safety and security of its lawmakers and addressing the growing divide within the country's political sphere. As investigations continue, the hopes of the nation rest on a thorough understanding of the motives behind these attacks and the implementation of effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
