▲ Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, delivers his remarks during the opening ceremony of the campaign office of a party lawmaker in Gimje, North Jeolla Province, on May 17, 2026. (Yonhap)

party leaders-police protection

Ruling, main opposition leaders put under police protection following alleged online threats against DP chief

SEOUL, May 17 (Yonhap) -- The leaders of the ruling and main opposition parties were placed under police protection earlier than planned amid allegations of online assassination threats targeting the ruling party chief ahead of the June 3 local elections, police said Sunday.

The move came after the ruling Democratic Party requested police protection for its leader, Rep. Jung Chung-rae, saying it received reports of assassination threats against him in group chatrooms on social media.

The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station said it launched an investigation into the online threat allegations and began providing police protection for Rep. Jung, as well as Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, starting Sunday afternoon.

"We have activated dedicated teams early for the leaders of the Democratic Party and the People Power Party after consultations with the parties," the National Police Agency said in a notice to reporters.

The teams were originally set to be launched on May 21, when the official campaign period begins.

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