Bulletproof glass added to Lee Jae-myung’s campaign amid growing security concerns

Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung speaks from a campaign vehicle equipped with bulletproof glass in Mapo District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

As threats against Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung intensify, his presidential campaign has begun installing bulletproof glass barriers at rally sites to bolster his personal security.

Lee, who survived a knife attack last year, has been the target of repeated threats, including reports suggesting the illegal import of a “Russian-made sniper rifle.” The Democratic Party said such tips, whether credible or not, have raised enough concern to warrant proactive measures.

Starting Monday, mobile bulletproof panels will be installed at Lee’s public appearances. Though a full four-sided barrier, as seen at U.S. political events, is still in production, the campaign plans to first install glass on either side of the podium. Until now, only a bullet-resistant inner lining was applied to the podium as a temporary measure.

The use of bulletproof glass in political campaigns is a strategy familiar in U.S. politics, particularly after the 2024 shooting of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Lee himself has been wearing a bulletproof vest weighing over three kilograms during rallies. He even publicly voiced his discomfort, saying, “What kind of situation is this?”

Security measures have also included binocular-equipped bodyguards and advanced optics used by police to detect potential sniper scopes.

Supporters are taking action, too. Many have begun bringing items like balloons and hand mirrors to campaign events, believing the objects can disrupt a sniper’s aim and serve as makeshift visual interference.

Rep. Boo Seung-chan, a member of Lee’s campaign terror response task force, said the team received reports that former military intelligence officers may be in possession of C4 explosives. “We’re actively monitoring and requesting data from the military regarding any unusual activity or weapon access,” he said.

A bulletproof panel is attached to the podium at a campaign rally for presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung near the back gate of Jeonbuk National University in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Friday. Yonhap

The growing threat has led the campaign to consider requesting support from the presidential security service, but internal concerns about fairness, especially with other candidates like Kim Moon-soo not seeking such measures, led the party to decide on requesting specific equipment only if necessary.

“We're doing everything we can to prepare for all possibilities,” a party official said, “but we’re also being careful not to appear arrogant or intimidate citizens with excessive security presence at campaign sites.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.