SEOUL, April 04 (AJP) - As South Korea awaits the Constitutional Court’s ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, police have been placed on the highest emergency alert across the country starting midnight on Apr. 4.
The top-level alert, known as "Gapho Emergency," allows authorities to mobilize 100 percent of available police forces. Officers are barred from taking leave, and commanding staff are required to remain in constant communication and on standby.
On Thursday, the police deployed around 20,000 officers nationwide, with over 60 percent -- some 14,000 officers from 210 riot police units -- concentrated in Seoul to maintain public order.
Key areas of concern include the Gwanghwamun Square, where large-scale protests are expected, and the presidential residence in Hannam-dong. The police have designated the Gwanghwamun and Jongno areas as “special crime prevention zones.” Around 1,500 officers, including mobile patrol units, local police, traffic police, and detectives are stationed throughout the area.
Security around the Constitutional Court is especially tight. A 150-meter perimeter has been sealed off with police buses to prevent demonstrators from entering the area, effectively creating what officials describe as a “vacuum zone.” All protests near the court are banned. To ensure the safety of the justices, additional security teams have been dispatched.
Special police units have been stationed near the Constitutional Court building, while riot squads are equipped with pepper spray and long batons in preparation for any potential unrest.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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