DP chief Lee Jae-myung calls to end politics driven by hate

Politics

Published: 10 Jan. 2024, 11:29 Updated: 10 Jan. 2024, 17:06

DP chief Lee Jae-myung calls to end politics driven by hate

Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung speaks to reporters as he is discharged from Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, Wednesday, after his stabbing in the neck last week. [YONHAP]

Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung said it is time to put an end to politics driven by hatred and attempts to harm opponents as he was discharged from the hospital Wednesday, eight days after his stabbing in the neck.

“I sincerely hope that this incident, which shocked everyone, will become a milestone to end the politics of hatred and confrontation and restore proper politics of mutual respect and coexistence,” Lee told reporters upon his discharge at around 11 a.m.

Lee was greeted by cheers from his supporters shouting his name as he left Seoul National University Hospital in central Seoul, where he had received treatment for the past week. He was spotted with a bandage covering his neck wound.

He first apologized for causing concern to the public and thanked them for their support.

“With this life that has been saved by the people, I will live the rest of my life only for the people,” Lee said to a crowd of supporters and reporters who had been awaiting his discharge.

“It is time to put an end to warlike politics, where one must kill and eliminate one's opponent,” Lee said.

“I will repay by creating a world where everyone lives together, a country where everyone is happy and dreams of hope.”

He expressed hopes that “proper politics will be restored where we respect, acknowledge and compromise with each other.”

Lee added that he plans to “first reflect and work hard to return to the politics of living that creates hope.”

Democratic Party (DP) Chairman Lee Jae-myung waves to supporters as he is discharged from the Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, Wednesday, eight after his stabbing in the neck last week. [NEWS1]

On Jan. 2, Lee was stabbed in his left neck with a knife by a 67-year-old man, identified only as Kim, during a visit to Busan.

Lee, who sustained a 1.4-centimeter (0.55-inch) wound, was airlifted to Seoul and underwent surgery for a laceration in a vein in his neck at Seoul National University Hospital later that day.

The DP and Lee faced backlash in Busan after he was transferred from Pusan National University Hospital to Seoul via a two-hour helicopter ride.

Despite sustaining the injury on Gadeok Island in Busan, the move to a major hospital in Seoul was perceived as undermining regional medical services, particularly the nation's leading trauma center. Critics raised doubts about the severity of the attack and whether the decision to relocate him to a major hospital in Seoul was warranted.

On Monday, doctors filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office against the DP, alleging obstruction of business for both Pusan National University Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital.

Since last week, 14 doctors' advocacy groups released statements condemning the DP for allegedly abusing its political power and undermining the regional medical system.

Lee will continue his recovery at home for the time being.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]