The South Korean government has officially designated the 2024 attack on then-Democratic Party leader, now President, Lee Jae-myung, as an act of “terrorism.” This marks the first time a case has been formally classified as terrorism under the country’s 2016 Terrorism Prevention Act.
Official Designation After Review
The decision was made during a meeting of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on January 20th. Prime Minister Kim stated that the investigation into the incident had been “insufficient” and “took too long,” and pledged to “completely eliminate the possibility of terrorism” in South Korea by bolstering the nation’s counter-terrorism systems.
The review process began after Prime Minister Kim requested the reactivation of a joint government counter-terrorism investigation team. A joint investigation involving the National Intelligence Service, the National Police Agency, the Fire Department, the military’s Defense Security Command, and the National Forensic Service, along with legal review by the Ministry of Justice, determined that the incident met the criteria for “terrorism” as defined by the Terrorism Prevention Act.
The Incident and Subsequent Claims
The “Lee Jae-myung Gadeokdo Stabbing Incident” occurred on January 2, 2024, while Lee, then the leader of the Democratic Party, was visiting the site of a planned new airport in Gadeokdo, Busan. He was stabbed in the neck with a 18cm blade by a 60-year-old man. Following the attack, the Democratic Party raised concerns that the initial report from the National Intelligence Service described the weapon as a “cutter,” alleging an attempt by the current government to downplay the severity of the incident and calling for a full re-investigation and a terrorism designation.
According to the Prime Minister’s office, the designation will trigger further investigation into the incident, as well as enhanced security measures for key figures during the election period. The National Police Agency has formed a task force to investigate potential accomplices and the reasons for the initial non-designation as terrorism.
Political Reactions
The People Power Party has questioned the designation, pointing out that the Terrorism Prevention Act defines terrorism as an act targeting a national or local government, or a foreign government. Party spokesperson Choi Eun-seok expressed skepticism about designating an attack on an individual as terrorism, suggesting a possible political motivation and questioning why similar incidents, such as the attacks on former President Park Geun-hye and former U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert, were not similarly classified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the government to revisit the case?
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok directly requested the reactivation of the government’s counter-terrorism investigation team, initiating the review that led to the terrorism designation.
Which agencies were involved in the re-investigation?
The re-investigation involved a joint effort by the National Intelligence Service, the National Police Agency, the Fire Department, the military’s Defense Security Command, and the National Forensic Service.
What is the People Power Party’s concern regarding the designation?
The People Power Party questions whether designating an attack on an individual as terrorism is appropriate, given the definition of terrorism in the Terrorism Prevention Act, and suggests possible political motivations behind the decision.
As investigations continue and security measures are reviewed, will this designation lead to broader changes in South Korea’s approach to political security and protection of public figures?
