South Korean police have intensified security measures for Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, following warnings of a potential assassination plot targeting him. The decision, announced on March 18, comes after several lawmakers expressed concerns about Lee’s safety and urged authorities to take additional precautions.
The heightened security follows a violent attack on Lee last year, when he was stabbed in the neck by a man requesting an autograph. The assailant was later sentenced to 15 years in prison, but concerns over Lee’s safety have persisted amid increasing political tensions in the country.
Escalating Political Unrest
South Korea has been in a state of heightened political turmoil since President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of martial law in December, an event that triggered the country’s most severe political crisis in decades. The move deepened divisions between conservatives and liberals, leading to widespread protests and institutional strain.
President Yoon currently faces a criminal trial for insurrection, and the Constitutional Court is expected to deliver a landmark ruling on his impeachment in the coming days. If upheld, Yoon will be permanently removed from office. The decision is expected to spark mass demonstrations, with both supporters and opponents of Yoon planning large-scale rallies.
Security Reinforcements and Government Response
With tensions at an all-time high, acting President Choi Sang-mok has urged citizens to accept and respect the Constitutional Court’s ruling, regardless of the outcome. The government has prepared for potential unrest, recalling a previous incident in January, when hundreds of Yoon’s supporters stormed a court building after his detention was extended. The attack, which resulted in property damage and broken windows, was condemned by Choi as an “unimaginable” act of violence.
Authorities remain on high alert, focusing on protecting political figures and securing public spaces amid fears of escalating violence. Lee Jae-myung’s security detail has been reinforced, with police monitoring potential threats and increasing protective measures around public appearances and party events.
As South Korea braces for a pivotal legal decision, concerns remain over the impact on national stability and the possibility of further political unrest.
