Seoul, April 2 (IANS): South Korean authorities have announced the enforcement of the highest-level security alert across the nation in preparation for the Constitutional Court’s impending ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. The decision, set to be delivered on Friday, has prompted extensive security measures to maintain public order and prevent potential unrest.
Lee Ho-young, the acting chief of the Korean National Police Agency, convened an online meeting with senior police officials on Wednesday to outline the emergency response posture. Under this directive, law enforcement agencies will remain on high alert until stability is ensured post-ruling.
As part of the heightened security measures, the alert mandates the full mobilization of the police force. In Seoul alone, approximately 14,000 officers from 210 units will be deployed to manage large-scale gatherings and potential demonstrations that may follow the court’s decision.
“It is feared that after the court ruling, some of the crowd may engage in extreme and violent protests, potentially leading to accidents. Full police powers will be mobilized to prevent serious social conflict,” Lee stated.
Authorities have also taken preemptive steps to secure key national facilities, including the Constitutional Court. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has completed the establishment of a “vacuum zone” around the court as of 2 p.m. Wednesday. This area, initially planned to cover a 100-metre radius, has been expanded to 150 metres and is sealed off with police buses. A total of 200 vehicles have been mobilized for the operation to prevent unauthorized access and demonstrations.
Within the vacuum zone, all gatherings and protests are strictly prohibited, and vehicle traffic is tightly controlled. While general pedestrian access remains permitted, demonstrators are barred from entering. Furthermore, the sidewalk directly in front of the Constitutional Court’s main gate is completely off-limits, except for court officials and accredited journalists.
In anticipation of potential emergencies, special police forces will be stationed inside the Constitutional Court premises on the day of the ruling. Officials estimate that approximately 100,000 individuals, comprising both supporters and opponents of President Yoon, will converge in central Seoul during the event.
The government’s stringent security measures underscore the sensitive nature of the ruling and the importance of maintaining national stability during this critical period.
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