By Anadolu staff
ANKARA (AA) – A South Korean court on Thursday issued a warrant to formally arrest the man who allegedly attacked and injured the main opposition leader.
A court in the Busan city issued the warrant and police formally arrested Kim on murder charges, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.
Earlier, the South Korean police took the suspect into custody and launched an investigation to know the motive behind the attack.
On Wednesday, investigators also visited the offices of the ruling People Power Party and opposition Democratic Party to confirm whether Kim is affiliated with any political party, according to the agency.
On Tuesday, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was stabbed on the left side of his neck during a question-and-answer session with journalists after visiting the construction site of a new airport on Busan's Gadeok Island.
Min Seung-kee from Seoul National University Hospital, who operated upon Lee, told reporters that the opposition leader is now "recovering."
"Lee is recovering smoothly but requires continued observation due to concerns over additional infection and post-surgery complications due to the injury he suffered," Min said.
Min added that Lee had a wound about 1.4 centimeters in length but his artery remained safe.
Initial investigation showed the suspect had been following Lee since last June and he had purchased a 17-centimeter camping knife and modified it for the attack, according to the agency.
*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid