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South Korea's Lee Vows to Serve People After Surviving 2024 Knife Attack

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he survived a 2024 knife attack thanks to public support. The state civil rights commission overturned an earlier decision regarding his airlift to Seoul. Lee posted a message on social media, vowing to devote himself entirely to the country. He expressed gratitude to citizens and pledged to build a nation solely for the people.

Key Points: Lee Vows to Serve Country After 2024 Knife Attack

  • Lee survived a 2024 knife attack in Busan
  • Airlift was initially deemed preferential treatment
  • Commission overturned the decision on Friday
  • Lee vows to devote himself to the people
2 min read

South Korea: Lee says people saved him from 2024 knife attack, vows to devote himself to country

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung says he survived a 2024 knife attack thanks to public support, vows to devote himself entirely to the nation.

"My life now belongs entirely to the people. - Lee Jae Myung"

Seoul, May 9

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Saturday he survived a 2024 knife attack thanks to people's support and will devote himself wholly to the country, a day after the state civil rights commission overturned an earlier decision with regard to his airlift to Seoul from Busan at the time of the attack.

Lee was stabbed in the neck by a 67-year-old man posing as a supporter during a visit to the southeastern city of Busan on January 2, 2024, and was transported by helicopter to Seoul National University Hospital from Pusan National University Hospital for surgery.

At the time, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission determined the airlift as preferential treatment not allowed for ordinary people, and said that the medical staff and rescue workers involved in the decision deserve disciplinary measures for violating their code of conduct.

But the commission overturned the decision Friday, saying the airlift was carried out within their scope of authority, Yonhap news agency reported.

On Saturday, Lee posted a message on social platform X with a link to a news report on the commission's decision, saying that people saved him from the terrorist murder attempt, a "judicial murder through fabricated indictments by the prosecution" and an "honor killing using manipulated media."

"My life now belongs entirely to the people," Lee said. "What I have to do is to build a country solely for the people and create a power that operates solely for the people. ... My fellow citizens. I am truly grateful. Even if my body breaks down, to the very last moment, I will devote my heart and all my strength to the people."

At the time of the knife attack, Lee was the leader of the then main opposition Democratic Party and ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol was in office. The commission has found in a recent internal probe that the then deputy chief of the commission exercised undue influence in the commission's decision that the airlift breached the code of conduct.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the sentiment, I'm a bit skeptical. This kind of emotional rhetoric is common after such incidents. Let's see if he actually delivers on his promises. In India, we've seen leaders make grand statements after crises but then things return to business as usual. Actions speak louder than words. 😒
M
Michael C
It's inspiring to see a leader publicly acknowledge that they owe their life to the people. The fact that he survived a knife attack and is now more determined than ever shows real resilience. However, the whole airlift controversy raises questions about the system. Glad it was resolved fairly.
P
Priya S
"Judicial murder through fabricated indictments" - these are strong words. It makes me wonder about the political climate in South Korea. We have similar issues here in India where political opponents are targeted through legal means. Lee's experience is a stark reminder of how power can be abused. 🙏
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Ravi K
The fact that the deputy chief of the commission exercised undue influence is concerning. In any democracy, such bodies must remain impartial. Lee's survival and his dedication to the people is heartening, but the system needs to be cleaned up. We face similar challenges in India with our anti-corruption bodies.
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James A
It's quite dramatic to call it "judicial murder" and "honor killing using manipulated media." This sounds like a leader who feels persecuted. While I understand his trauma after the attack, this kind of language can polarize people further. Hopefully he focuses on governance rather than playing the victim card.

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