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Minor party candidate for Busan mayor injured after being sprayed with a drink, falling and hitting his head

Published: 27 Apr. 2026, 12:34 Updated: 27 Apr. 2026, 19:06

Jeong Yihan, the Reform Party’s candidate for Busan mayor, speaks at an on-site supreme council meeting at a campaign office in Busanjin District, Busan, on April 16. [YONHAP]

The minor Reform Party's candidate running for Busan mayor was injured while campaigning on the street on Monday after a driver in a passenger car sprayed a beverage at him in the southeastern port city.

The incident occurred on a road in the city's northern ward of Geumjeong District shortly after 8 a.m., when a passenger car approached candidate Jeong Yi-han as he was greeting citizens commuting to work.

The driver suddenly sprayed the beverage that he was drinking at Jeong's face while hurling abusive language and profanities. The candidate reportedly lost his balance and fell backward.

Jeong was taken to a hospital after losing consciousness from hitting his head on the ground as the driver fled the scene.

The police said that they have begun an investigation, analyzing witness accounts and surveillance camera footage from the scene and nearby areas.

The Busan mayoral election will take place as part of the June 3 local elections.

Yonhap