In light of increasing violence and threats, South Korean presidential contender Lee Jae-myung amplifies his security measures by campaigning in a bulletproof vest and behind glass. This marks a notable shift in the nation's political climate, following his survival of a stabbing last year.
South Korean Presidential Hopeful Boosts Security Amid Rising Violence
South Korean Presidential Hopeful Boosts Security Amid Rising Violence
Lee Jae-myung dons a bulletproof vest and speaks behind glass as threats against him escalate, reflecting a troubling trend in South Korea's political landscape.
Lee Jae-myung, the leading candidate for the South Korean presidency and head of the Democratic Party, is escalating his campaign's security measures, notably wearing a bulletproof vest while addressing supporters. Despite South Korea's strict gun regulations, the political atmosphere has become acutely perilous, prompting unprecedented precautions.
Kicking off his campaign last month, Mr. Lee showcased a white bulletproof vest by removing his suit, later donning his blue party jacket. During speeches, he was urged by supporters to remain behind protective glass, highlighting the palpable concern for his safety. Access for journalists has been tightly controlled, with only a select few accompanying him on his nationwide tours.
Mr. Lee's deepening security insights stem from a previous assassination attempt earlier this year, when he was stabbed in the neck by someone seeking his autograph. This incident underscores the growing political polarization in South Korea. Additionally, nearly a dozen online threats against him have been reported, leading to at least one case being forwarded to the prosecution.
"Threat levels for this election have been higher than those in the past," stated Yoon Taeyoung, a professor specializing in crisis management and national intelligence at Kyungnam University. While political violence is generally uncommon in South Korea, notable incidents have occurred, including attacks on high-profile figures. In 2006, then-lawmaker Park Geun-hye was assaulted with a knife, and her father, former president Park Chung-hee, was assassinated in 1979. More recently, in 2022, a hammer attack targeted Song Young-gil, then chief of the Democratic Party.
As Lee Jae-myung navigates this treacherous political landscape, he remains resolved to protect himself while engaging with the electorate ahead of the upcoming election.
