Man slashes his hand in front of parliament, demanding attention to 'people's sufferings'

The National Assembly building in Yeouido, western Seoul [YONHAP]

A man slashed the back of one of his hands in front of the National Assembly on Friday as he clamored for politicians to pay greater attention to public hardship.

The injury was not life-threatening, officials said.

The ginseng farmer in his fifties committed the dramatic act after distributing some 20 handwritten handouts declaring his intention to take his own life due to financial difficulties.

He then spread out a Korean flag, shouted and slashed his hand.

He was moved to a nearby hospital after receiving first aid at the scene.

"The president, government officials and lawmakers, I wish you don't waste time fighting each other and care more about the suffering of the people," the man said in the handout.

Yonhap