Overview

• The National Police Agency has elevated security for presidential candidates to prime minister-level protection, deploying over 150 personnel with advanced equipment.
• Specialized tools, including anti-sniper laser detectors, thermal imaging binoculars, drone jammers, and bomb-sniffing dogs, have been deployed at campaign events.
• Authorities are investigating nine online threats, eight targeting Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung and one against New Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok, with one case referred to prosecutors.
• The enhanced measures follow reports of a sniper rifle being smuggled into the country and Lee Jae-myung's survival of a 2024 assassination attempt.
• This year's security operation surpasses the scale of the 2022 election, reflecting heightened concerns over candidate safety in a polarized political climate.