SEOUL - South Korean police will enforce the nation’s highest-level security alert on the day of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment ruling, mobilising all available forces nationwide, the National Police Agency announced on March 14.
Acting commissioner general of the National Police Agency Lee Ho-young held a security briefing on the afternoon of March 14 and emphasised that police will establish an “all-out response system to minimise public disorder before and after the Constitutional Court’s ruling”.
The highest-level security protocol requires 100 per cent of police personnel to be on duty and suspends all leave.
Ahead of the ruling, the second-highest alert level will be activated in Seoul, extending to a nationwide emergency response order, mandating all chiefs of staff are ready to command.
Approximately 20,000 riot police officers from 337 tactical units will be deployed nationwide, along with additional mobile patrol officers and detectives. The security perimeter around the Constitutional Court will be reinforced with riot police units and safety barriers.
Special security measures will also be taken to protect justices and court officials, including deploying a dedicated security team, undercover detectives and the police special forces unit.
Authorities will extend security measures to the National Assembly, courts, investigative agencies, major media outlets, and party headquarters of both the ruling People Power Party and the opposition Democratic Party of Korea.
Riot police will be stationed at these locations to prevent potential violent clashes.
A far-right protester holds up a portrait of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, March 13, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
A protester holds up a portrait of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the Constitutional Court in Seoul on March 13.PHOTO: REUTERS
To counter possible violent demonstrations, officers will be equipped with protective gear, crowd-control spray and other law enforcement tools.
All private firearm transactions will be suspended, and approximately 86,811 registered civilian-owned guns will be placed under police custody from midnight on the eve of the ruling until three days after the decision is announced.
To ensure public safety, police will work closely with local governments and fire departments to strategically station ambulances and consider temporary non-stop subway operations in certain areas.
Mr Lee warned that police would adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward violent activities, including destruction of public property, assaults on law enforcement and other threats to public order.
“We will take stern action to prevent any unlawful incidents, like the recent unrest at Seoul Western District Court,” Mr Lee said.
“We are preparing for the worst-case scenario to ensure a thorough response. We ask for the public’s cooperation in maintaining order.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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