The Democratic Party of Korea said Monday it has requested swift police investigation and personal protection for party leader Chung Chung-rae after receiving reports of a collective terror plot against him.
"Reports have continued to come in that collective terror plots are being organized in social media group chats of unknown origin, with messages such as 'Let's kill Chung Chung-rae,'" chief party spokesperson Kang Joon-hyun said at a press conference at the National Assembly's Communications Hall. "We are announcing that the party yesterday formally requested police to launch a swift investigation and provide thorough personal protection."
Asked about possible links to party members in North Jeolla Province, Kang said he did not know, but added, "In the North Jeolla governor's election, independent candidate Kim Kwan-young's attacks on the Democratic Party have become excessive. It is the height of audacity for the person who made the outrageous remark treating residents as 'dogs and pigs' to be tarnishing the party."
After attending Mass at Nabawi Cathedral in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, Chung met with reporters and said, "I am devastated, heartbroken and distressed." He added, "I urge those involved to turn themselves in to investigative authorities, reflect on their wrongdoing, promise never to repeat it, and plead for leniency."
In response to the Democratic Party's request, police have decided to move up the timeline for personal protection of Chung and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk. Police had originally planned to begin protection for the leaders of major parties on the 21st, in line with the start of the official campaign period.
