Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Controversy ignites as police withhold political affiliations of DPK leader's assailant
Police officers are deployed at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno District, Seoul, Friday, where Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is hospitalized after suffering a knife attack in Busan on Jan. 2. Yonhap
By Lee Hyo-jin
Opposition lawmakers criticize police over selective leaking of information
The decision by the police not to disclose the political affiliations of the man who attacked Rep. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), with a knife, has sparked controversy. The DPK has criticized law enforcement authorities for sharing investigative information selectively.
The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced, Monday, that its identity disclosure committee would convene a meeting on Tuesday to determine whether to release the personal information of the 67-year-old male suspect, identified so far only by the surname Kim.
If the committee decides in favor of further disclosure, Kim's full name, age and photo will be released.
However, the police stressed that the history of his political affiliations would remain undisclosed, irrespective of the committee's decision.
"Technically, it cannot be disclosed as per relevant laws. We are currently discussing with the prosecution about the matter. But if we disclose (his political affiliations), there could be penalties," an official at the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency said during a press briefing.
The official was referring to the Political Parties Act, which bans investigative bodies from publicly sharing information about a suspect's political affiliations that could be ascertained during investigations. Violation of this law may lead to imprisonment of up to three years.
Kim was subdued and apprehended at the site of the attack during the DPK leader's visit to the proposed site for a new airport on Busan's Gadeok Island last Tuesday. The suspect, wearing a paper crown with the inscription "I am Lee Jae-myung," approached the politician amid a crowd of journalists and supporters, and requested an autograph before attacking.
The man accused of assaulting Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), is escorted into a vehicle in the southeastern city of Busan, Thursday, after attending a court hearing for his arrest warrant. Yonhap
According to the police, Kim worked as a realtor based in Asan, South Chungcheong Province.
The crime is considered premeditated, as the assailant purchased the knife last April and modified the weapon. He arrived in Busan a day before the assault and stayed overnight at a motel approximately 10 kilometers from Gadeok Island.
Police are planning to refer Kim to the prosecution later this week for further investigation on charges of attempted murder.
Since the police launched the probe, Kim's potential political affiliations have garnered significant attention as a crucial factor in determining the motive behind the crime, which occurred less than 100 days ahead of the April 10 general elections.
Law enforcement authorities acquired information about his party membership history through a search and seizure conducted on the offices of the DPK and the ruling People Power Party (PPP) in Seoul's Yeouido.
"It appears that the police don't want to become entangled in political controversy. However, such a passive approach may only deepen confusion, as people might suspect that the police are deliberately withholding certain details," political commentator Rhee Jong-hoon said.
"The law enforcement authorities should provide accurate information to prevent the spread of false information and conspiracy theories."
Some media reports suggested that Kim was a member of the Saenuri Party, the predecessor of the current PPP, from 2015 to 2020. They also speculated that he joined the DPK last April.
However, this information has not been verified by investigative authorities yet.
Meanwhile, DPK lawmakers held their first meeting concerning its countermeasures committee on the party leader's attack, during which they denounced the police for "selective and biased leaking of investigative information."
The committee called on the police to disclose the suspect's party membership history, emphasizing that revealing the motives and the possibility of conspiracy behind the attempted murder suspect is crucial. The DPK also argued that the provision of the Political Parties Act cited by the police is de facto nullified, and therefore not a valid reason not to disclose the information.
"We will not turn a blind eye if the government or investigative authorities attempt to downplay, distort or cover up the incident in any way," said Jeon Hyun-heui, head of the committee.