Security Raised to "Level 2"
Police Heighten Vigilance Amid Tighter Protection
Amid concerns over the personal safety of candidates in the 21st presidential election, the police in charge of security have become even more vigilant.
According to Yonhap News on May 18, citing the National Police Agency, the current security level for major party presidential candidates is set at "Level 2." This is the same level applied to key figures such as the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae Myung is giving a speech during a campaign rally held on the 17th in front of Manghwaro at Geumseonggwan, Naju, Jeollanam-do, while security personnel are thoroughly guarding against assassination attempts. Photo by Yonhap News
The police have recently deployed sniper detection equipment. This high-priced device, reportedly costing tens of millions of won, uses lasers to locate the scopes of sniper rifles. Security personnel equipped with special binoculars have also been spotted scanning various areas of campaign venues.
Police officers and special operations units are stationed in nearby buildings and on rooftops around campaign sites. Specialized equipment, such as radio frequency detectors and jamming guns to counter potential drone attacks, has also been deployed. Explosives detection dogs are being used as well.
The police's heightened security measures reflect the Democratic Party's request for increased protection, citing a series of reports about terror threats targeting candidate Lee Jae Myung, including the alleged smuggling of sniper rifles. In contrast, the People Power Party candidate Kim Moonsoo’s camp has reportedly requested only minimal security.
The police have not officially disclosed the number of security personnel assigned to each candidate. However, it has been reported that more personnel have been assigned than the total of 150 deployed during the 2022 presidential election, and there is a possibility of further increases.
The police determine the deployment and size of security teams by comprehensively reviewing requests from each campaign and assessing potential threats to the candidates. Experienced professionals from the 22nd Security Unit and the 101st Guard Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, as well as former special operations officers, are being assigned to these duties.
Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae Myung is wearing a campaign office jumper over a bulletproof vest at the Central Campaign Committee kickoff rally and first campaign event held at Cheonggye Plaza in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on June 12, the first day of official campaign activities for the June 3 presidential election. Photo by Yonhap News
These personnel are selected through document screening, physical fitness tests, and interviews, with a superintendent?equivalent to a department head at a local police station?serving as team leader. Some security agents are recruited through special martial arts admissions. Some volunteer for these assignments, believing that serving as a candidate’s security detail could offer future career advantages if the candidate is elected president.
Meanwhile, ahead of the early presidential election, the police have launched investigations after online threats against candidates were posted. The National Police Agency announced that, as of May 16, it had received nine reports of online threats to the personal safety of presidential candidates. Of these, eight were directed at candidate Lee Jae Myung. One case has been referred to the prosecution, while the remaining seven are under preliminary investigation or active investigation.
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