Police are preparing to deploy all available personnel, including special forces, to manage potential clashes between supporters and opponents of President Yoon on the day of the Constitutional Court’s ruling.
According to police on Thursday, authorities are considering dispatching special forces to handle safety incidents, such as crowd crushes, that could arise from large gatherings near the court.
Yonhap News quoted a police official on the same day as saying, “While riot police and local governments will handle crowd management, special forces will be on standby to respond in case of an emergency.”
Security measures are also being strengthened around the Seoul Western District Court and Seoul Central District Court, which could become targets before and after the ruling. Authorities are also increasing security around the U.S., Japanese, and Chinese embassies, anticipating possible reactions to the verdict.
To prevent confrontations, authorities plan to separate pro- and anti-impeachment rallies near the Constitutional Court, designating areas near Jaedong Elementary School and Anguk Station for each group. Public access to the area may be restricted due to challenges in distinguishing between ordinary citizens, tourists, and rally participants.
During a regular briefing on Tuesday, Acting National Police Agency Chief Lee Ho Young said, “We are preparing for worst-case scenarios, including the potential for self-immolation or physical confrontations at the Constitutional Court. We must be ready for all contingencies.”
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, which previously recommended declaring the highest emergency alert, “Level A,” met with mobile unit leaders and police chiefs from the Jongno, Mapo, and Yeongdeungpo districts to discuss security plans. Another meeting is planned shortly.