Police to decide whether to disclose personal information of suspect in main opposition leader’s stabbing

Kim Mo, the woman who stabbed Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung with a knife, leaves Yeonje Police Station in Busan on Thursday to undergo a substantive review of her warrant. Yonhap News Agency

Kim, the 67-year-old suspect, who attacked Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, was found to have frequently participated in rallies held by conservative organizations. Police, who had set a "no disclosure" policy for Kim's information about party affiliation under the Political Parties Act, decided to consult with prosecutors to see whether an exception could be made.

An official from the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency said on January 7, "We are confirming that Kim joined a conservative group," adding, "We plan to investigate the extent of his participation and involvement in rallies of conservative groups.” He also said, "There are still many points to be confirmed in the investigation regarding the motive of the crime. We are cautious about announcing the motive of the crime hastily as it could lead to political misunderstandings."

It was decided to review whether Kim's past and current party affiliations, which were identified by the ruling People's Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party by obtaining a warrant from the court on January 3, could be disclosed in consultation with the prosecution and others. Earlier, the police concluded that it was impossible under the Political Parties Act and did not disclose Kim's party affiliations.

Police are also investigating accomplices or abettors. The police, who were criticized for a "watered-down investigation" by publicly disclosing Kim's claim that he acted alone while not disclosing the motive of the crime immediately after the incident, appear to have been conscious of the public criticism and are now investigating accomplices.

Police summoned some 10 people over the weekend to investigate whether they were involved in the crime. The investigation headquarters is investigating the possibility of an accomplice, but it has reportedly not identified a person suspected of being an accomplice so far.

A police officer said, "It is doubtful to say that Kim is a convict in that he did not express his political views or do anything to justify his crime, such as shouting slogans immediately after the crime." He then hinted at the possibility of an abettor behind the crime, saying, "In the sense that he was arrested without protest right after the crime, doing harm to Lee seemed to be his only purpose."

Prior to the announcement of the investigation results of the case, the police decided to hold a personal information disclosure committee to decide whether to disclose Kim's face and name.

※This article has undergone review by a professional translator after being translated by an AI translation tool.