Man Accused of Stabbing South Korean Politician Wanted to Stop Him From Becoming President: Police

SEOUL, South Korea—The man accused of stabbing South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung in the neck told investigators that he wanted to kill him to prevent him from becoming the country’s president, police said Wednesday. Mr. Lee, 59, was released Wednesday from the hospital after eight days of treatment, including surgery. Police said they believe the suspect acted alone. He approached Mr. Lee asking for his autograph then stabbed him in the neck, leaving him bleeding and slumping on the ground, during a Jan. 2 event in the southeastern city of Busan. During questioning, the suspect said he had determined to kill Mr. Lee to prevent him from running for South Korea’s presidency, Busan police chief Woo Cheol-Mun told a televised briefing. Mr. Woo said the suspect said he was unsatisfied with what he believes were authorities’ failures to punish Mr. Lee over his corruption allegations....