(LEAD) Anti-corruption agency to investigate any possible favor involved in airlifting of Lee Jae-myung

▲ Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is transferred to a hospital in Seoul, in this Jan. 2, 2024, file photo, after he was stabbed in the neck. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) opposition leader-helicopter transport

(LEAD) Anti-corruption agency to investigate any possible favor involved in airlifting of Lee Jae-myung

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info in 5-6 paras)

By Kim Han-joo

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Yonhap) -- The state anti-corruption agency said Tuesday that it has initiated an investigation to determine whether there was any favor involved in the helicopter transport of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung for treatment following his attack.

Lee, the chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party, was stabbed in the neck during a visit to the southeastern port city of Busan on Jan. 2. Following emergency treatment at Pusan National University Hospital, he was subsequently airlifted by an emergency helicopter to Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul for surgery.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission said that it has received multiple requests to examine whether the helicopter transport of the high-profile politician was conducted with any undue favoritism.

"Considering the high level of public interest in this case and the citizens' right to know, we have accepted the reports and launched an investigation," Jeong Seung-yoon, vice chairman of the commission, said in a press briefing.

The agency said it will investigate the two hospitals, the National Fire Agency and other relevant agencies.

Controversies have surfaced over the alleged improper use of the emergency helicopter, as to whether it was necessary to airlift Lee since the Busan hospital was capable of conducting surgery. After being discharged for home treatment, Lee will return to work Wednesday.

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