By Ju-min Park
SEOUL (Reuters) – With the impending decision from South Korea’s Constitutional Court on whether to uphold or overturn the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, police are preparing for potential unrest. Subway closures and heightened security protocols are being implemented to ensure public safety during this critical moment in the country’s political landscape.
President Yoon’s future hangs in the balance following his controversial martial law decree in December, which prompted his impeachment and subsequent criminal charges. As the court’s ruling is expected imminently, both supporters and opponents of Yoon are anticipated to mobilize in significant numbers, as witnessed in recent large-scale protests.
“We are making contingency plans for various scenarios,” stated Lee Ho-young, Acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, emphasizing the need for preparedness. Pepper spray and batons may be utilized by officers in the event of violence, reminiscent of previous incidents involving Yoon supporters.
On the day of the verdict, a subway station near the Constitutional Court will be shut down, and service disruptions are possible at other stations anticipating sizeable demonstrations, according to Seoul Metro. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has advised nearby schools to implement safety measures, with one institution opting to close on the ruling day.
During previous court proceedings, a heavy police presence has encircled gatherings of Yoon supporters, underscoring the importance of heightened security measures. The memory of past unrest, notably following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017, serves as a stark reminder of the potential volatility surrounding such rulings.
As tensions rise, police are considering additional precautions such as the temporary closure of gas stations near the court on the day of the ruling. Recent protests outside Yoon’s residence have already necessitated increased security measures, including the deployment of buses and checkpoints in the area.
(Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Josh Smith and Gerry Doyle)
