South Korea places party leaders under police guard after death threats

South Korean police placed the leaders of both the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party under security protection Sunday, after assassination threats against the Democratic Party chief surfaced in online chatrooms ahead of the June 3 local elections, The Korea Times reported.

The early activation of protection details — originally set to begin May 21 when the official campaign period starts — signals heightened security concerns surrounding South Korea's June 3 local elections.

The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station launched an investigation after the Democratic Party reported receiving assassination threats posted in social media group chatrooms, The Korea Times reported. The National Police Agency coordinated with both parties before activating the dedicated security teams 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, according to The Korea Times.

Rep. Jung Chung-rae of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea and Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok of the People Power Party both came under protection starting Sunday afternoon. The Democratic Party had specifically requested police protection for Jung following reports of the online threats.

The security details had been scheduled to begin operating May 21, the formal start of the local election campaign period ahead of the June 3 vote. Police moved up the timeline in response to the reported threats.

The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station continues to investigate the origin of the online threats as both party leaders remain under guard through the June 3 election, according to The Korea Times.