Lee Jae Myung to Speak Behind Bulletproof Glass Next Week in Bulletproof Vest... Democratic Party Cites Security Concerns

Heightened Security Since Last January's Attack
Reports of Smuggled Sniper and Assault Rifles

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, has decided to deliver speeches behind a transparent bulletproof shield at campaign sites starting next week. This decision was made due to concerns over his safety, following the posting of online threats against him.

Kang Hoon Sik, head of the General Situation Room of the Democratic Party's Central Election Countermeasures Committee, stated at a press briefing held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, "We plan to complete the production and installation of the bulletproof shield by early next week. The shield will be set up to protect both sides of the podium when the candidate is speaking."

As of this day, the police reported that out of nine online posts related to threats against presidential candidates, eight were directed at Lee Jae Myung.

Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is wearing a campaign outfit over a bulletproof vest at the kickoff rally and first campaign event held at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul on May 12, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun Min

In particular, the Democratic Party has recently expressed concerns about the possibility of an assassination attempt on Lee Jae Myung. Jin Sung Joon, chair of the party's Policy Committee, and others claimed that they had received reports that a sniper rifle with a range of up to 2 kilometers had been smuggled into the country.

The Democratic Party's heightened concern over a possible attack on Lee Jae Myung is linked to the stabbing incident in Busan in January of last year.

At that time, Lee Jae Myung was stabbed in the neck with a weapon by a person disguised as a supporter during a campaign event in Busan.

Kang Hoon Sik said, "Lee Jae Myung wants to meet and shake hands with voters, but due to various reports and concerns, he is unable to do so. Both the candidate and the campaign team regret this situation." Lee Jae Myung is currently meeting citizens while wearing a 3-kilogram bulletproof vest.

In the United States, after Donald Trump, then a presidential candidate, was targeted in a shooting incident in July of last year, bulletproof shields have become common at campaign events. In South Korea, similar protective barriers were used in past elections, such as the 1987 presidential election, to protect candidates from attacks.