DPK Ldr Lee Attacked With Legislative Elections Just Months Away

Leader of the main opposition liberal Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Lee Jae-myung was attacked earlier today on a visit to the southern city of Busan. Lee was stabbed in the neck by a 67-year old assailant, and was airlifted to hospital in the capital, Seoul, for surgery after emergency treatment. His condition is not thought to be life-threatening. The attack comes as political attention in South Korea turns towards the upcoming legislative elections on 10 April.

• Lee's DPK currently holds a majority of seats in the unicameral National Assembly, with 167 of 300 seats, compared to 112 for the conservative People Power Party (PPP), from which President Yoon Suk-yeol hails.
• Lee has been seen as a favourite to run for the presidency once again in 2027, having lost out to Yoon in the 2022 vote. A strong performance of the DPK in legislative elections - something seen as largely on the cards following a string of by-election wins in 2023 - could bolster Lee's chances (should he remain in frontline politics).
• Should the DPK remain in control of the National Assembly it would further constrain Yoon's policy-making abilities, with the legislature able to override presidential decisions with a simple majority vote.