Patterns and Security of Key Personnel Against Terrorism Targeting Politicians in South Korea

Politics is a process through which stakeholders negotiate and states determine policies to enhance citizen welfare and establish optimal public policies for societal stability and prosperity. At its core, this process involves politicians striving to attain power to realize their beliefs, and it must be democratic. Consequently, terrorism against politicians, being both undemocratic and violent, must be rigorously condemned. An examination of the terrorism patterns targeting South Korean politicians reveals a persistent inclination to suppress opposition through violence—a vestige of regressive tendencies not yet fully eradicated since the post-liberation period. This study finds that security of key personnel for major politicians opposing current power structures are significantly inadequate. Therefore, we propose the urgent establishment of a “Security of Key Personnel Law” to strengthen national security for key political figures. Additionally, given the frequency of terrorist attacks on domestic politicians, it is crucial to expand the number of security personnel and enhance their training. Moreover, adopting socially inclusive policies towards political opposition and reinforcing the roles of media and popular culture are essential for fostering a more advanced political culture.