South Korea is ramping up security ahead of the Constitutional Court’s highly anticipated ruling on whether to reinstate or remove impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. With large-scale protests expected from both supporters and opponents, police are preparing for worst-case scenarios.
Yoon was impeached following his brief martial law decree on December 3, leading to charges of insurrection. Authorities anticipate tens of thousands to gather, echoing past political turmoil. Acting Commissioner General Lee Ho-young stated that police would use pepper spray or batons if violence erupts, referencing a January attack by Yoon’s supporters on a court building.
On ruling day, a subway station near the court will be closed, and trains may bypass other stations with planned rallies, according to Seoul Metro. One school near the court has also opted to shut down as a precaution, following advisories from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.
Security has been significantly tightened, mirroring measures taken during former President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment ruling in 2017, which saw violent clashes resulting in casualties. Police may also temporarily close gas stations near the court to prevent any safety threats.
Over the weekend, thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered near his residence, prompting heightened police presence, checkpoints, and roadblocks. Buses were parked along main roads to control access.
Authorities remain on high alert, emphasizing the need for tighter security due to the political tension surrounding the ruling. With emotions running high, officials are taking every measure to prevent potential unrest.