Following a stabbing incident last year, leading presidential contender Lee Jae-myung has significantly increased his security measures while campaigning for the upcoming election. His main rival, Kim Moon-soo, has adopted a contrasting approach, asserting that he does not require such protection.
In a nation where firearms are largely prohibited, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the South Korean Democratic Party, has been seen campaigning in a bulletproof vest and delivering speeches behind bulletproof glass, a level of security rarely observed in South Korean elections.
During the early stages of his campaign, Lee revealed a white bulletproof vest to his supporters before donning his party's blue jacket. At one event, he was urged by supporters to remain behind protective glass after briefly stepping outside its confines. His campaign team has also limited journalist access, allowing only a select few to accompany him on his national tour.
Lee's heightened security is not without justification; he survived an assassination attempt in January when he was stabbed in the neck by an individual who approached him for an autograph. This incident has highlighted the increasing political polarization in South Korea. Recently, the National Police Agency reported receiving nearly a dozen online death threats against Lee, with one case forwarded to prosecutors.
Professor Yoon Taeyoung, an expert in terrorism and crisis management, noted that the threat levels for this election are higher than in previous years. While political violence is uncommon in South Korea, there have been notable incidents, including an attack on former president Park Geun-hye in 2006 and a hammer attack on Song Young-gil, the former chief of the Democratic Party, in 2022.
South Korea enforces strict gun ownership laws, permitting firearms only for specific professions such as police, military, or security personnel, or for hunting purposes.
In contrast, Kim Moon-soo, the candidate for the People’s Power Party, has opted for a more relaxed security stance. He publicly stated, “I have no need to wear a bulletproof vest,” and expressed a willingness to accept the risks associated with his campaign.
Kim has indicated a desire to reduce the size of his security detail, which is currently comparable to Lee's. Both candidates are assigned several dozen bodyguards operating within a three-tiered security system, with the police responsible for candidate protection until a winner is declared.
Professor Yoon remarked that Kim is attempting to differentiate himself from Lee, portraying himself as someone who has lived an honest life without fear of attack. In January, the Democratic Party suggested that Lee wear a bulletproof and knifeproof vest due to ongoing threats, which he has since adopted during public appearances.
Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Hyun-hee highlighted the serious nature of the threats against Lee, claiming that smuggled firearms and agents have been mobilized to target him. She emphasized the need for comprehensive security measures, including bulletproof glass barriers at campaign events.
Recent polls indicate that Lee is leading Kim by more than 10 percentage points as the election approaches.