Acting Police Chief of South Korea Promises Full Force on Yoon's Ruling Day

Synopsis

On April 2, 2023, South Korean police announced a nationwide security alert ahead of the Constitutional Court's ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. Approximately 14,000 officers are deployed in Seoul to maintain order amid anticipated protests.

Key Takeaways

Nationwide security alert instituted
14,000 officers deployed in Seoul
Emergency response until stability restored
Vacuum zone established around the court
100,000 people expected to gather

Seoul, April 2 (NationPress) South Korean Police are set to implement the highest level of security alert across the nation on Friday, coinciding with the Constitutional Court's impending decision regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, as stated by the top police authority on Wednesday.

Lee Ho-young, the acting chief of the Korean National Police Agency, made this announcement during an online briefing with senior police officials, emphasizing that law enforcement will maintain an emergency response stance until public order and safety are restored.

This alert level, requiring the mobilization of the entire police force, will see around 14,000 officers from 210 units deployed in Seoul alone, ready to address any unforeseen circumstances that may occur due to large-scale gatherings following the court's verdict.

Lee expressed concerns that following the court's ruling, some individuals within the crowds might engage in extreme and violent protests, potentially resulting in accidents. Full police powers will be activated to avert significant social unrest, he stated.

Additionally, Lee committed to completely securing the Constitutional Court and its vicinity, ensuring an adequate police presence at critical national facilities.

In a related effort, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, it had finalized the so-called 'vacuum zone' operation around the Constitutional Court by cordoning off a 150-meter radius with police buses, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

The vacuum zone, where gatherings and demonstrations are strictly prohibited and vehicle movement is restricted, was initially intended to be 100 meters in diameter but has been significantly expanded, according to the agency. A total of 200 vehicles were mobilized for this operation.

Access to the sidewalks within the vacuum zone is allowed only for ordinary citizens, barring protesters, although the sidewalk in front of the court's main entrance is entirely off-limits to everyone except court officials and media personnel.

In readiness for emergencies, special police units will be on standby within the Constitutional Court premises on the day of the ruling. Authorities anticipate that approximately 100,000 supporters and opponents of Yoon will converge in central Seoul that day.