Police brace for possible chaos as Yoon's impeachment verdict nears

Police officers are seen outside the Constitutional Court of Korea in central Seoul on March 10 2025 Yonhap — Police officers are seen outside the Constitutional Court of Korea in central Seoul on March 10, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) - Security will be beefed up around the Constitutional Court of Korea in central Seoul as a final verdict for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial over last year's botched martial law debacle looms as early as this week or early next week.

Several districts including Jongno, where the court is located, along with nearby areas, will be designated for special security to prepare for potential chaos and violence from both supporters and opponents of Yoon, whether he is reinstated or impeached.

Park Hyun-soo, acting head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, said the maximum number of police and military personnel along with all available equipment will be mobilized to prevent potential conflict.

"We are also considering deploying special forces to handle tasks related to detecting bombs and other threats while conducting rescue operations," he added.

Police beef up security in front of President Yoon Suk Yeols official residence in Hannam-dong Seoul on March 10 2025 Yonhap — Police beef up security in front of President Yoon Suk Yeol's official residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul on March 10, 2025. Yonhap

The court typically announces the date for the final verdict two or three days in advance, with many expecting it to be imminent.

However, there is still a possibility that the court might require more time for deliberation following Yoon's sudden release from a remand prison last week, after the Seoul Central District Court found Yoon's arrest "invalid," citing the timing of his indictment, which it ruled as coming after the expiration of his detention period.

Authorities are also considering urging nearby businesses including gas stations to close for the day to ensure safety and prevent disruptions.

Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung talks to reporters as he arrives at the Central District Prosecutors Office in southern Seoul on March 10 2025 Yonhap — Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung (center) talks to reporters as he arrives at the Central District Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul on March 10, 2025. Yonhap

Meanwhile, the ongoing political divide has deepened even further. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) argued that Yoon's release effectively validates the illegality of an investigation into the debacle by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which was established to ensure fair and independent probes by separating investigation and prosecution.

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP), on the other hand, complained about Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung's decision not to appeal the court's ruling to release Yoon, questioning his intentions behind the decision. But Shim said his decision was made based on "due process of law" and dismissed the DP's call for his resignation.

In yet another spree of impeachments against officials who disagree with it, the DP is considering impeaching Shim for being held accountable for Yoon's release if he continues to refuse to step down from his post.

Evelyn Nam evelyneyahh@ajupress.com

Police brace for possible chaos as Yoon's impeachment verdict nears

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