Seoul: Police have decided to deploy approximately 14,000 personnel in Seoul as the Constitutional Court is set to deliver its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case later this week. The court is expected to announce its verdict on Friday, deciding whether to dismiss or reinstate Yoon regarding his failed martial law bid, which has intensified political divisions in the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the police are currently on "Gapho" alert, the highest level for police operations, which places all available forces on emergency standby. Measures include immediate arrests for any attempts to breach the Constitutional Court compound and enhanced security for all Constitutional Court justices. If President Yoon decides to attend the court for the verdict, the police will ensure a secure route from the presidential residence to the court and manage the separation of protesters on either side of the impeachment debate.
The decision on whether President Yoon will attend the court on Friday is still pending, according to his legal representatives. Following the court's announcement of the verdict date, anti-Yoon protesters in Gwanghwamun Square, who have been holding an overnight sit-in, expressed approval and demanded the "immediate ouster" of the suspended president.
Yoon Bok-nam, president of Lawyers for a Democratic Society, also known as Minbyun, commented that while the ruling date "came much too late," it is nonetheless a relief. Meanwhile, pro-Yoon demonstrators near the Constitutional Court have been vocal in their opposition to the impeachment, chanting "dismiss impeachment" and waving Korean and American flags.