In brief
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, is employing extreme security measures during his campaign, following a recent stabbing incident and ongoing threats.
In a dramatic display of heightened security, South Korea's presidential hopeful Lee Jae-myung has taken to the campaign trail in a bulletproof vest and behind protective glass, reflecting concerns over personal safety amid political tensions. Lee, who leads the Democratic Party, unveiled the vest at a campaign kick-off last month, emphasizing cautiousness after a violent attack last January where he was stabbed in the neck by an assailant under the guise of seeking an autograph. His heightened security measures come on the heels of several online death threats, further underscoring the country's current political polarization.As Lee continues to meet voters, his team has limited media access, allowing only a select group of journalists to cover his campaign events. Supporters have also voiced concern for his safety, urging him to remain shielded behind the protective glass during appearances.Political violence, while rare in South Korea, has a notable history, with previous attacks on public figures highlighting the potential risks faced by those in power. In 2006, a knife attack left former president Park Geun-hye injured, and more recently, former Democratic Party chief Song Young-gil survived a hammer assault in 2022. As the election approaches, experts warn that the atmosphere is more hostile than in previous years, marking a worrying trend in the country’s political climate. With tensions escalating and threats increasingly directed at candidates like Lee, his notable security measures symbolize a troubling reality for South Korean politics as the nation gears up for its upcoming elections.
