South Koreans have cast their ballots in nationwide local elections, with early trends showing the ruling Democratic Party ahead in 11 of 16 major contests. The results are being closely watched as a key indicator of public sentiment and the country's evolving political landscape.

South Korea Local Polls: Ruling Democratic Party Leads Early Count

Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party, was attacked on Tuesday (Jan 2) during a visit to the southeastern port city&nbsp;of Busan, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

As per reports, Lee was stabbed on the left side of his neck with a weapon.

His attacker, identified as a 1957-born&nbsp;man surnamed Kim, was subdued and arrested at the scene.&nbsp;

The man, who has confessed that he wanted to kill Lee,&nbsp;reportedly used an 18-centimeter-long knife he&nbsp;purchased online.

In a statement, NPA Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun said he has ordered the police to establish an investigation headquarters to probe the incident.&nbsp;

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency said in a statement it plans to charge Kim with attempted murder.

<h2>How the attack unfolded</h2>

The attack, as per Yonhap, happened at 10:27 am local time as the opposition party chief who was touring the site of a proposed airport in Busan's Gadeok Island was engaged in a&nbsp;question-and-answer session with reporters.

The assailant, who based on videos of the incident appeared to be a man in his 50s or 60s, wore a paper crown with Lee's name on it.&nbsp;

He reportedly&nbsp;approached Lee asking for an autograph, before suddenly lunging forward and attacking him, news reports said.&nbsp;

A video of the attack is going viral on social media. It shows&nbsp;the attacker lunging at Lee with his arm stretched out, and the leader grimacing and collapsing to the ground, as people in the crowd grab the assailant.

&nbsp;You can see the video here. Viewer discretion is advised.

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Footage showing the Stabbing Attack earlier against the Leader of the Democratic Party of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung while he was Speaking to a Crowd in the Southeastern City of Busan. <a href="https://t.co/uEAabsxzmX">pic.twitter.com/uEAabsxzmX</a>
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The attack, as per YTN television, has left Lee with a gash of about 1 cm on his neck. While&nbsp;the wound is not life-threatening, the 59-year-old was airlifted to Seoul for surgery amid fears of additional bleeding.

Photographs of the incident show the opposition leader lying on the ground with his eyes closed, as&nbsp;people around him press a handkerchief against the bleeding wound at the side of his neck.

He remained conscious after the stabbing and was transported to a hospital.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party, was attacked on Tuesday (Jan 2) during a visit to the southeastern port city of Busan, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party, was attacked on Tuesday (Jan 2) during a visit to the southeastern port city of Busan, the Yonhap News Agency reported. As per reports, Lee was stabbed on the left side of his neck with a weapon. His attacker, identified as a 1957-born man surnamed Kim, was subdued and arrested at the scene. The man, who has confessed that he wanted to kill Lee, reportedly used an 18-centimeter-long knife he purchased online. In a statement, NPA Commissioner General Yoon Hee-keun said he has ordered the police to establish an investigation headquarters to probe the incident. The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency said in a statement it plans to charge Kim with attempted murder. How the attack unfolded The attack, as per Yonhap, happened at 10:27 am local time as the opposition party chief who was touring the site of a proposed airport in Busan's Gadeok Island was engaged in a question-and-answer session with reporters. The assailant, who based on videos of the incident appeared to be a man in his 50s or 60s, wore a paper crown with Lee's name on it. He reportedly approached Lee asking for an autograph, before suddenly lunging forward and attacking him, news reports said. A video of the attack is going viral on social media. It shows the attacker lunging at Lee with his arm stretched out, and the leader grimacing and collapsing to the ground, as people in the crowd grab the assailant. You can see the video here. Viewer discretion is advised. Footage showing the Stabbing Attack earlier against the Leader of the Democratic Party of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung while he was Speaking to a Crowd in the Southeastern City of Busan. pic.twitter.com/uEAabsxzmX — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 2, 2024 × The attack, as per YTN television, has left Lee with a gash of about 1 cm on his neck. While the wound is not life-threatening, the 59-year-old was airlifted to Seoul for surgery amid fears of additional bleeding. Photographs of the incident show the opposition leader lying on the ground with his eyes closed, as people around him press a handkerchief against the bleeding wound at the side of his neck. He remained conscious after the stabbing and was transported to a hospital. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch the moment South Korean oppn politician Lee Jae-myung is stabbed in neck by attacker

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South Korea Local Polls: Ruling Democratic Party Leads Early Count

Watch the moment South Korean oppn politician Lee Jae-myung is stabbed in neck by attacker