On February 12, 2026, South Korea’s National Assembly became the stage for a dramatic revelation: the National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed that the 2024 assassination attempt on then Democratic Party leader—and now President—Lee Jae-myung was influenced by right-wing YouTuber Go Sung-guk. This bombshell, delivered by Park Sun-won, the ruling party floor leader of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, has reignited fierce debate over the intersection of online rhetoric, political violence, and national security in South Korea.
It was a day of tense anticipation at the National Assembly. After the Intelligence Committee’s full meeting, Park Sun-won stepped out to brief the press. According to multiple major outlets, including Channel A and IMBC, Park relayed that the NIS had, in their words, confirmed “the terrorist had been influenced by Go Sung-guk and that there was a phone call between the terrorist and Go Sung-guk.” The agency further stated that it had partially confirmed the terrorist’s visit to Go Sung-guk’s YouTube channel, known as Go Sung-guk TV.
This revelation is more than just a footnote in a grim chapter of South Korea’s recent political history. The attack itself, which occurred on January 2, 2024, saw Lee Jae-myung stabbed in the left side of his neck during a visit to Busan’s Gadeokdo. The assailant, identified only as Kim, was apprehended at the scene. Lee survived after emergency surgery and a period of hospitalization, but the incident sent shockwaves through the nation.
In the immediate aftermath, the response of authorities—then under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration—was widely criticized. As reported by TJB News and corroborated by Kyunghyang Shinmun, the attack was not initially designated as terrorism. There were even allegations that evidence was destroyed or distorted, and that the incident was downplayed or misrepresented. It was only after the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung government that the event was officially classified as a terrorist attack, with a specialized police task force established to investigate.
But the real twist, as revealed in the recent committee meeting, is the digital trail linking the perpetrator to Go Sung-guk—a prominent right-wing YouTuber known for his fiery political commentary. The NIS confirmed that not only had the assailant consumed Go’s content, but there had also been direct communication. Park Sun-won told reporters, quoting the NIS, “the terrorist was influenced by Go Sung-guk, that is, it seems certain he was influenced by the far-right YouTuber.” Park added, “There was a phone call between them, and it was partially confirmed that the terrorist actually visited Go Sung-guk TV.”
The details don’t end there. According to IMBC and JoongAng Ilbo, the NIS is currently investigating an eight-page document—referred to as an ‘apology letter’—written by Kim before the attack. The agency is working to determine whether there are deeper connections or evidence of premeditation involving Go Sung-guk. Park reported that the NIS stated, “investigation agencies are conducting investigations and the NIS is doing everything it can.”
The digital aftermath of the attack was no less turbulent. In the days following the stabbing, a wave of right-wing YouTubers mocked the victim, with some even suggesting the incident was staged by Lee himself—a claim that was widely circulated online. The NIS acknowledged this, stating it is “collecting evidence and tracking right-wing YouTubers who mocked the victim and reframed the incident as a self-staged event after the attack.” This effort is ongoing, as the agency seeks to hold those responsible for spreading misinformation accountable.
The revelations have sparked renewed questions about the influence of online personalities in shaping political narratives and even inciting real-world violence. The direct link between incendiary content and violent action is a topic that has troubled democracies worldwide, and South Korea is now grappling with its own version of this dilemma. The NIS’s findings suggest that the digital ecosystem—particularly the unregulated corners of YouTube—can serve as a breeding ground for extremist ideas and, in some cases, inspire individuals to commit acts of violence.
Meanwhile, the political reverberations are being felt across the aisle. Some lawmakers have seized on the moment to push for legislative changes aimed at strengthening national security. Park Sun-won noted that the NIS director expressed strong support for the rapid passage of a proposed amendment to the country’s spy law. The amendment, which is expected to be passed in the February 2026 National Assembly session, would broaden the law’s scope to address diversified security threats, including the protection of sensitive technologies like semiconductors and artificial intelligence. As Park put it, “the NIS said it would actively fulfill its duty at the forefront of protecting national interests and sensitive core technologies.”
For many in South Korea, these developments are both a cause for concern and a call to action. The specter of political violence, amplified and perhaps enabled by online influencers, has forced a reckoning with the limits of free speech and the responsibilities of platforms and content creators. At the same time, critics warn against overreach, cautioning that new laws must not stifle legitimate dissent or be wielded as tools of political suppression.
Yet, the facts of the case remain sobering. The NIS has confirmed a direct link between a prominent right-wing YouTuber and the man who attempted to assassinate the country’s now-president. The investigation continues, with authorities poring over digital communications, tracking online disinformation campaigns, and searching for evidence of deeper conspiracies. The eight-page ‘apology letter’ written by the assailant is now a key piece of evidence, as are the records of his online activity and communications.
As South Korea moves to address these challenges, the country stands at a crossroads—struggling to balance the protection of its democratic institutions with the need to safeguard free expression in an age of digital disruption. The story of the 2024 attack on Lee Jae-myung, and the subsequent revelations about the role of online influencers, is a stark reminder that the boundaries between the virtual and the real world are more porous than ever.
With investigations still underway and legislative changes on the horizon, South Korea’s political landscape is bracing for further upheaval. The coming months will reveal whether the nation can navigate these turbulent waters without sacrificing the very freedoms it seeks to protect.