South Korean Administration to Deploy 14,000 Police Officers for President Yoon Suk Yeol's Security
South Korean police announced on Wednesday that they will deploy 14,000 riot police officers in Seoul on the day of the impeachment ruling for President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his short-lived declaration of martial law in December. This number represents about 60% of the country's total riot police force, which will be mobilized under the highest-level security alert, according to police officials quoted by Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency.
Initially, the plan was to deploy 12,000 officers, but the number has been increased to better handle the possibility of large-scale protests and attacks on the court and its judges.
Following the conclusion of the impeachment trial concerning Yoon's martial law declaration, the eight-judge Constitutional Court is expected to deliver its long-awaited ruling this week.
According to the law, at least six judges must agree to uphold the impeachment. If upheld, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. If dismissed, Yoon will return to office and serve out the remainder of his term until 2027.
The date of the ruling has yet to be announced.
Any protesters attempting to storm the court will be arrested on the spot, as criminal justice police officers will be deployed to the court premises, with special police forces on standby.
The areas surrounding the court have been designated as a no-fly zone since last Thursday. Police will also deploy anti-drone equipment to prepare for the possibility of illegal drone flights.
On the day of the ruling, nearby schools, a subway station, a gas station, and four construction sites will remain closed. Access to the rooftop entrances of nearly 22 buildings around the court will also be restricted.
In January, supporters of Yoon stormed a Seoul court to protest the court’s decision to formally arrest the suspended president.
