South Korea to Deploy 14,000 Police Officers for President Yoon Suk-yeol's Security

South Korea to Deploy 14,000 Police Officers for President Yoon Suk-yeol's Security

South Korean police announced on Wednesday that they would deploy 14,000 riot police officers in Seoul on the day of President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment ruling, following his declaration of a short-term martial law in December. This number will represent approximately 60% of the country’s total riot police force, which will be deployed under the highest security alert, according to police officials cited by the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency.

Initially, the plan was to deploy 12,000 officers, but the decision was made to increase the number of officers in response to the potential for large protests and attacks on courts and judges.

After the ongoing impeachment trial of Yoon concludes, the Constitutional Court, consisting of eight judges, is expected to deliver its long-awaited ruling this week.

Under the law, at least six judges' consent is required to uphold the impeachment. If the court upholds the impeachment, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. If the impeachment is dismissed, Yoon will complete his current constitutional term, which lasts until 2027. The exact date of the ruling has not yet been announced.

If protests occur, anyone attempting to enter the court will be immediately arrested, as criminal police will be stationed at the court, and special police units will also be on standby.

The area surrounding the court has been declared a no-fly zone since last Thursday. Anti-drone equipment will also be deployed to counter any potential illegal drone flights.

On the day of the ruling, schools, a subway station, a gas station, and four construction sites near the court will be closed. Additionally, access to the rooftops of about 22 buildings near the court will be restricted.

In January, Yoon's supporters had entered a court in Seoul to protest after the court decided to formally arrest Yoon.