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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

'Terror Threats Received... Wearing Stab-Proof Shirt,' Says Ulsan Mayoral Candidate

From Hankyoreh · (4m ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A mayoral candidate in Ulsan, South Korea, claims to be wearing a "stab-proof shirt" due to receiving "terror threats."
  • The candidate, Kim Sang-wook of the Democratic Party, stated he is being threatened with "terrorism" and is taking precautions, including wearing protective gear.
  • He drew parallels to the assassination attempt on opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, criticizing the use of political violence and the dismissal of such threats as mere "shows."

The Hankyoreh reports on a startling claim by Kim Sang-wook, a Democratic Party candidate for mayor of Ulsan, who alleges he is wearing a stab-proof shirt due to receiving "terror threats." This unusual measure highlights the increasingly tense and potentially dangerous political climate in South Korea.

I am being threatened with terrorism.

— Kim Sang-wookRevealing the nature of the threats he claims to be receiving.

Kim Sang-wook revealed his security concerns in a video shared by a YouTuber, stating that he cannot pre-announce his campaign schedule because he is being threatened with "terrorism." He displayed the protective shirt worn under his jacket, emphasizing its anti-stab capabilities. Despite these threats, Kim asserted his determination not to back down, vowing to engage more closely with citizens while taking necessary safety precautions.

This is a stab-proof shirt. It doesn't get penetrated by a knife.

— Kim Sang-wookShowing the protective gear he is wearing for safety.

During a live broadcast on his YouTube channel, Kim elaborated on the situation, mentioning that various intelligence reports have been received, necessitating caution. He drew a strong parallel to the knife attack on then-Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung in January 2024, criticizing how such violent acts were downplayed by some as mere "performances." Kim also recalled the use of protective barriers during presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung's rallies, which were met with ridicule from the opposing People Power Party, expressing his outrage at the politicization of violence and security concerns.

I will not back down. I will go into the citizens more safely and carefully.

— Kim Sang-wookExpressing his resolve to continue campaigning despite the threats.

Kim Sang-wook, a former member of the People Power Party who switched to the Democratic Party after criticizing the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, is running for mayor of Ulsan. His decision to wear a stab-proof vest and publicly discuss the threats underscores a concerning trend where political discourse appears to be escalating towards physical intimidation. The Hankyoreh notes the candidate's request for public understanding regarding his inability to share his schedule in advance, acknowledging the potential risks involved in political campaigning in such an environment.

Why would you use violence in politics?

— Kim Sang-wookExpressing frustration and anger over the use of violence in political activities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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