In a nation where firearm ownership is largely prohibited, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's leading candidate for president, is making headlines by donning a bulletproof vest and delivering his speeches behind a wall of bulletproof glass. The heightened security posture follows a recent assassination attempt against him in which he was stabbed in the neck last January.
While launching his campaign last month, Lee made a symbolic gesture by showcasing his bulletproof vest to supporters, indicating the serious threats he has faced. His appearances now include requests from the crowd to remain behind the protective glass, revealing an acute awareness of the dangers surrounding him, amidst a trend of escalating political violence in the region. Journalists covering his campaign face restricted access, creating a more insular atmosphere as he moves about the country.
Concern for Lee's safety is further underscored by a series of online threats reported to the National Police Agency, with one incident being serious enough to forward to prosecutors. According to crisis management expert Professor Yoon Taeyoung, the threat level surrounding this election cycle noticeably exceeds that of previous years, marking a worrying trend in political security risks.
Despite being rare in South Korea, political violence has occurred in the past, with notable incidents such as the knife attack against former president Park Geun-hye in 2006 and recent attacks on high-profile political figures. This backdrop of sporadic violence serves to heighten apprehensions as Lee Jae-myung navigates the tumultuous landscape of South Korean politics amidst his presidential campaign.
While launching his campaign last month, Lee made a symbolic gesture by showcasing his bulletproof vest to supporters, indicating the serious threats he has faced. His appearances now include requests from the crowd to remain behind the protective glass, revealing an acute awareness of the dangers surrounding him, amidst a trend of escalating political violence in the region. Journalists covering his campaign face restricted access, creating a more insular atmosphere as he moves about the country.
Concern for Lee's safety is further underscored by a series of online threats reported to the National Police Agency, with one incident being serious enough to forward to prosecutors. According to crisis management expert Professor Yoon Taeyoung, the threat level surrounding this election cycle noticeably exceeds that of previous years, marking a worrying trend in political security risks.
Despite being rare in South Korea, political violence has occurred in the past, with notable incidents such as the knife attack against former president Park Geun-hye in 2006 and recent attacks on high-profile political figures. This backdrop of sporadic violence serves to heighten apprehensions as Lee Jae-myung navigates the tumultuous landscape of South Korean politics amidst his presidential campaign.
