South Korea tightens security ahead of impeachment ruling against President Yoon Suk Yeol.

At a ministerial meeting on security prior to the trial, Acting President Han Duck-soo stressed that he had "strongly urged" politicians to refrain from making statements that could incite violence.

"The government will not tolerate any lawbreaking or violence. Whatever the decision, we must accept the outcome calmly, based on the principles of the rule of law," Han stated.

"If we can unite once again with our strength and wisdom, we will overcome this crisis of chaos and conflict," he added.

The South Korean Constitutional Court, which is considering the impeachment of President Yoon over his controversial imposition of martial law, announced on April 4th that it will make a decision on whether to permanently remove him from office or reinstate him.

Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, on charges of violating his constitutional duties by declaring martial law in early December 2024 without justifiable grounds.

If the court rules to remove him from office, a new presidential election will be held within 60 days.

South Korean police have increased security around the courthouse, ready to deploy their full force from midnight until the verdict is announced on April 4th.

National Police Chief Lee Ho-young said the area around the courthouse would be completely sealed off to restrict access and prevent protests in support of and against President Yoon, thus avoiding clashes.

Committing to taking strict action against acts of violence, Mr. Lee emphasized that police will arrest anyone who vandalizes property, threatens judges, or attacks police officers.

In January, hundreds of Yoon's supporters stormed a courthouse after his detention was extended, smashing windows and flooding inside.

Mr. Han also instructed the police to increase security for the judges of the Constitutional Court against potential threats to their safety.