BUSAN, South Korea – Violence against political leaders poses a direct threat to democracy, as demonstrated by the recent attack on the majority Democratic Party (DP)’s leader Lee Jae-myung. The 67-year-old man’s assault on Lee during a visit to a site designated for a new airport in Gadeok Island off the coast of Busan has raised concerns about the safety of political heavyweights as the country approaches the April 10 parliamentary elections.
The attack left Lee in need of immediate medical attention after suffering a significant loss of blood. Such acts of violence not only endanger the lives of politicians but also undermine the democratic process by distorting the voters’ ability to freely choose their leaders.
While political disagreements are inevitable, resorting to violence is not the answer. Previous incidents of violence against major politicians, including a hammer attack on the chairman of the DP in 2022 and a box-cutter attack on a former opposition leader in 2006, highlight the recurring nature of this issue.
The need for increased safety measures to protect political candidates is evident, but it is equally important for law enforcement to take preemptive action to prevent such violence from occurring in the first place. Investigating the attack on the DP leader thoroughly and implementing measures to safeguard politicians from potential harm are crucial steps in upholding the integrity of the democratic process.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, ensuring the safety of political figures and preserving the democratic right of voters to choose their leaders must be prioritized. The incident in Busan serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the democratic principles that form the foundation of the nation’s political system.