Stabbing attack aimed at halting opposition leader's presidential aspirations

The suspect in the stabbing attack on the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Lee Jae-myung is being transported to the prosecution from Yeonje Police Station in Busan, Wednesday. Yonhap

The man who stabbed the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman Lee Jae-myung, committed the crime intending to prevent him from ever having the chance to be elected as president, according to the police, Wednesday.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced the results of its investigation into the attack on Lee, outlining the motives behind the crime.

The suspect, 67, identified only by his surname Kim, testified that he committed the act due to his own political beliefs, looking to prevent Lee from ever becoming president.

Kim said Lee had not been punished properly for his alleged involvement in a land development scandal, as Lee's trial was delayed. He aimed to prevent the DPK leader from providing party nominations to specific groups of people in the upcoming general elections.

The police said that an eight-page memo written by the suspect, justifying the crime, consistently showed his motive.

In addition to this, analysis of digital forensic data, reference statements and profiler analysis suggested that the suspect's extreme actions were influenced by his own political beliefs, according to the police.

Police officers conduct a search on a real estate agency, run by the suspect who stabbed main opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung, in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, Jan. 3. Yonhap

The suspect purchased a climbing knife online in April last year and modified it by removing the handle and sharpening the blade to help facilitate the crime.

Additionally, the police revealed that the suspect had created placards and hairbands to disguise himself as a supporter of Lee, to get close access.

Moreover, the suspect had followed Lee's official schedule five times since June, conducting reconnaissance and looking for an opportunity to commit the crime. The attack ultimately occurred on Jan. 2, while Lee visited the site of a new airport to be constructed on Busan’s Gadeok Island.

Following the incident, the police swiftly established a 68-member investigation team, looking into about 40 individuals, including the suspect who was detained at the scene. Investigations included searches of the suspect's residence, office, vehicle, phone call records and banking transactions.

As a result, the suspect was arrested on Jan. 4 on charges of attempted murder.

Another man in his 70s, who was aware of the plan in advance and promised to deliver the memo to Kim's family and the media, was also apprehended, but released later, with police citing the insignificance of his involvement in the crime.

Police confirmed there were no co-conspirators or individuals behind the suspect, conspiring in the crime.

Police also decided, Tuesday, not to disclose the identity of the suspect, citing insufficient legal conditions for the disclosure.

The current law permits the disclosure of the identities of suspects involved in violent crimes when there is sufficient evidence and is in the public interest.

Lee left Seoul National University Hospital where he underwent surgery on Wednesday, eight days after the knife attack, according to a DPK official. He will continue his treatment at home for now.