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.
DPK urges 'thorough investigation' into knife attack on party leader
The man accused of assaulting main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung with a knife is led out of a police station in the southeastern city of Busan, Thursday, to attend a court hearing for his arrest warrant. Yonhap
By Lee Hyo-jin
The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) urged the police to "thoroughly investigate" the knife attack on party leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung, Sunday, following law enforcement authorities' tentative decision not to disclose the personal identity of the attacker.
The possible disclosure of personal details about the 67-year-old assailant, identified only as Kim, has sparked heated debate, as it could reveal his political affiliation, a crucial factor in determining his motive for the crime. If revealed, the information is expected to be used by political parties to shape the narrative around the opposition leader's attack.
"We hope for a thorough investigation that leaves no suspicion, being mindful that the passive attitude of the police could lead to further controversy and confusion," DPK spokesperson Rep. Park Sung-joon said during a press briefing at the National Assembly.
Park's remarks followed local reports earlier in the day, suggesting that the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency, handling the case, had tentatively decided not to reveal the attacker's personal identity after internal discussions.
Under the current law, law enforcement authorities are allowed to disclose the identity of suspects in violent crime investigations, as long as there is sufficient evidence, and it is deemed to be in the public's interest and their right to know.
"The suspect's political affiliation is a crucial clue in revealing his motives," Park continued. " That is why our party actively cooperated (with the police) in accordance with the court's warrant."
Park also mentioned that the police are relatively hesitant to disclose information about their investigation, especially when comparing it to similar cases in the past.
Kim was arrested on site after stabbing Lee in the neck during the latter's visit to the southeastern port city of Busan last Tuesday.
Since launching the investigation, police have reportedly obtained details of Kim's political affiliation history with the cooperation of the DPK and the ruling People Power Party (PPP).
However, the police have apparently decided not to disclose this information in the final announcement of the probe, to be held later this week.
Although the law enforcement authorities did not share the exact reason, it is said the Political Parties Act, prevents investigative bodies from publicly sharing information about a suspect's political affiliation that they learn of during an investigation. Violation of this law may lead to imprisonment of up to three years.