Why are politicians targets of frequent attacks?

Rep. Bae Hyun-jin of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) speaks to reporters at the National Assembly in Seoul, May, 2023. Yonhap.

The escalating frequency of attacks against politicians has become a growing concern in Korea, highlighted by the recent assault on Rep. Bae Hyun-jin of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Thursday. This incident unfolded just three weeks after main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairman, Rep. Lee Jae-myung suffered a knife attack.

Bae sustained a head injury in an attack by a 15-year-old assailant, identified as a middle school student, in Gangnam District, Seoul. The suspect approached Bae, asking if she was a lawmaker before striking her in the back of her head with a rock the size of an adult's fist. The suspect was immediately apprehended by police.

The knife attack on Lee during his visit to Busan on Jan. 2 had already raised concerns about the safety of politicians.

While the precise motive behind the assault is still under investigation, there is widespread speculation that the crime may be a manifestation of the pervasive public animosity towards politicians. Authorities are also considering the possibility that the incident could be a copycat crime.

Rep. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, lies on the ground after being attacked by a knife-wielding assailant on a visit to Busan, Jan. 2. Yonhap

Oh Yoon-sung, a police administration professor at Soonchunhyang University, emphasized the influence of immediate access to news and social media on such incidents. This accessibility can empower individuals to readily replicate criminal acts they have witnessed online.

“The psychology of attempting to take action against a disliked politician can manifest itself in various ways,” Oh said.

Lee Yoon-ho, an endowed chair professor at the police science department at the Cyber University of Korea, also pointed out the risk of copycat crimes.

“The attack on the DPK chairman could have triggered the latest assault,” he suggested.

Lee also underscored that a misguided sense of heroism can escalate into more audacious crimes, especially in attacks against politicians, where perpetrators may wrongly perceive their actions as serving the cause of justice.

“I believe it is better not to disclose the identity of suspects involved in attacks against politicians, as it could potentially reinforce their misguided sense of heroism,” he added.

Experts unanimously say robust punishment is essential to deter such attacks.

There's also a perspective linking the attack to gender-based hatred.

Professor Lee Soo-jung of Kyonggi University, who registered as a preliminary candidate for the PPP in the April 10 general elections, suggested that Bae's gender might have played a role, considering the overall trend of online antagonism toward women.

Then-Grand National Party leader Park Geun-hye is attacked with a knife while campaigning in Seodaemun District, Seoul, May 20, 2006. Korea Times file

Instances of attacks against political figures have several precedents.

In May 2006, former President Park Geun-hye was attacked when she was the head of the Grand National Party, which is now the PPP. Park was assaulted with a box cutter, resulting in facial injuries, while she was canvassing in Seodaemun District, western Seoul, for party candidate Oh Se-hoon, who was running for Seoul mayor.

Former DPK Chairman Song Young-gil was also attacked by a liberal extremist on March 7, 2022. The assailant struck him on the head with a hammer while the politician was street canvassing for then-DPK presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung also in Seodaemun District.

Song Young-gil, former chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, walks out after a press conference in Yeouido, Seoul, with a bandaged head following an attack with a hammer, March, 8, 2022. Korea Times file

The recent attack on Bae raises questions about why a teenager, who does not have the right to vote, would carry out such an assault.

Speculation is growing about a mastermind behind the attack, given the young age of the perpetrator.

Regarding such conjectures, Rep. Yun Jae-ok, floor leader of the PPP, emphasized the need for patience until the police investigation is completed.

Rep. Yun Jae-ok, second from left, the floor leader of the ruling People Power Party, speaks during a party meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

Political conflicts stoke hatred

Meanwhile, heightened political tension and conflicts are pointed out as serious problems following the series of attacks on politicians.

Park Sang-byoung, a political commentator, compared the current political landscape in Korea to a state of civil war.

“It's akin to a war, where eliminating the other side is perceived as a victory. The prevailing sentiment seems to be prompting attacks against rival party politicians for strategic gains,” he said.

Park highlighted the gravity of hate politics, emphasizing that, in this context, the opposing party is viewed merely as a target for elimination.

“Unless there is a fundamental shift in the political structure, there are concerns that attacks on politicians will intensify in the future,” he said.

Lawmakers from both parties are also calling for solutions to avoid extreme conflicts in politics.

“The entire political community must collaborate in putting an end to the politics of hate,” said PPP floor leader Yun Jae-ok.

DPK floor leader Rep. Hong Ihk-pyo said, “We staunchly oppose all forms of violence and terrorism that pose a threat to democracy. Special measures should be taken to address such unfortunate events.”

Yoon Hee-keun, the commissioner general of the National Police Agency (NPA), instructed the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to establish a 27-member investigation team.

According to the NPA, the commissioner directed the team to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, delving into the motive and any possible background. Additionally, he instructed them to actively counter any misinformation related to the case.

According to the police, Friday, the suspect claimed that he attacked Bae after running into her by chance. The suspect asserted that the stone, which was used in the attack, had been in his possession for some time.

The police are actively probing whether the suspect had prior knowledge of the situation and intentionally committed the crime, especially considering that Bae was not involved in official duty during the attack.

Bae has expressed her desire to the police for the suspect to be punished.