BUSAN, South Korea – The leader of South Korea’s majority Democratic Party (DP), Lee Jae-myung, was attacked on Tuesday while visiting a site designated for a new airport in Gadeok Island off the coast of Busan. The 67-year-old assailant was arrested on the spot and will be investigated on charges of attempted murder. Lee, who lost a significant amount of blood from the attack, was rushed to the hospital and then transferred to Seoul National Hospital.
The incident comes less than 100 days before the April 10 parliamentary elections, highlighting the growing concerns about political violence and security for political leaders. This is not the first time a major politician in South Korea has been the target of violence. Over the past few years, several prominent leaders have been attacked, emphasizing the need for increased safety protection for political heavyweights.
In a democracy, violence against political figures poses a direct threat to the electoral process. It undermines the fundamental principle of the voters’ right to choose their leaders through elections, as campaign activities and voter engagement should be conducted without fear of violence. The police must thoroughly investigate this incident to ensure that the assailant is held accountable, and to prevent future acts of political violence.
The attack on Lee Jae-myung underscores the need for better safety measures for political candidates. While the police operate a special team to safeguard major political candidates during their official campaign period, there is a need for more comprehensive and proactive measures to prevent political chaos from sweeping the country. The law enforcement agency must take preemptive measures to ensure the safety and security of political leaders, voters, and the democratic process.
In recent years, acts of violence against major politicians in South Korea have become alarmingly frequent, posing a threat to the democratic principles of the country. The assault on Lee Jae-myung serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address political security and safeguard the electoral process.
The episode in Busan highlights the importance of protecting political figures and ensuring the safety of the democratic process. The police’s efforts to prevent political violence and ensure the security of political leaders and voters must be intensified to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming parliamentary elections.