Seoul, 2 January 2024 (dpa/MIA) - South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae Myung was stabbed during a public appearance on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when Lee was answering questions from journalists after visiting a construction site for a new airport on the south-eastern island of Gadeok. The island is part of the coastal metropolis of Busan.

Lee fell to the ground with a bleeding wound on his neck, South Korean broadcasters reported. He was taken to hospital after receiving first aid at the scene.

The Korean news agency Yonhap said the centre-left politician was conscious. The suspected attacker was arrested at the scene.

Lee was narrowly defeated by President Yoon Suk Yeol in the presidential election in March 2022.

Photo: MIA archive