South Korean police prepare for 'worst case scenario' ahead of impeachment verdict against President Yoon
Police will be deployed in large numbers, while subway stations and at least one school will be closed over safety concerns as South Korea's Constitutional Court rules on whether to remove or reinstate impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Mr. Yoon’s political future is hanging by a thread after his brief martial law decree on December 3, 2024, led to his impeachment and separate criminal charges of rebellion.
A verdict on the impeachment is expected as early as this week, and both supporters and opponents of Mr. Yoon are expected to demonstrate in large numbers. Recent rallies have attracted tens of thousands of participants.
"We are making plans considering the worst-case scenarios," Lee Ho-young, acting commissioner of the National Police Agency, told reporters.
Mr. Lee said police could use tear gas or batons in case of violence, similar to what happened during an attack by Yoon supporters on a court in January.
On the day of the ruling, a subway station near the Constitutional Court will be closed, and trains may not stop at some other stations where large protests are expected to take place, Seoul Metro said.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education sent a letter in late February advising six schools near the court to take safety measures, including closing on the day of the ruling, Kim Eun-mi, an education office official, told Reuters. One school had already decided to close on the day, Kim said.
During the trials so far, police cordons and riot vehicles have been deployed to surround gatherings of thousands of Mr. Yoon's supporters.
"Security must be tighter than ever, as this situation could become extremely dangerous," an unnamed police official told media. "We must be on the highest level of alert, just like when the Constitutional Court handed down its verdict on President Park Geun-hye."
Ms Park was impeached on corruption charges and removed from office by a court in March 2017. At least three people were killed and dozens injured in protests following the ruling.
Police officials also said they may close gas stations near the court on the day of the impeachment verdict against Mr. Yoon.
On March 9, a day after Mr. Yoon returned home, thousands of supporters gathered around his residence to protest his impeachment, while police forces were deployed to protect the area.
Over the weekend, police parked buses along major roads and set up several checkpoints around Mr. Yoon's residence to limit access.
.jpg "Tổng thống Hàn Quốc Yoon Suk-yeol được tăng lương dù đang bị luận tội")
