When a court judges on the fate of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol on Friday, South Korean police will use “all available resources” to prevent violence. Top tourist destinations will close, and embassies will advise citizens to avoid the country.
In response to Yoon’s unsuccessful proclamation of martial law, which has already resulted in his suspension by lawmakers and his arrest on insurrection-related charges, the nation’s Constitutional Court will decide whether to remove him from office.
With almost regular protests in the neighborhood, the court in downtown Seoul has turned into a flashpoint. On Tuesday, the police took the decision to close the streets in order to prevent potential conflicts.
“The situation has become more grave than ever,” Lee Ho-young, acting chief of the Korean National Police Agency, said Wednesday.
Hundreds of thousands of people for and against Yoon have poured onto Seoul’s streets every weekend, with die-hards on each side also setting up tent camps and staging all-night protests.
Police are concerned that whatever verdict is announced, some people “may become agitated and engage in extreme or violent protests”, said Lee during a meeting with top police officials.
Yoon’s supporters stormed a court building in January after a judge extended the suspended president’s detention. He was later released from custody on procedural grounds.
“The police will mobilise all available resources to ensure the safety of the public and to prevent the situation from escalating into serious social conflict,” said Lee.
In Seoul, more than 14,000 riot police will be deployed.
Due to safety concerns, a number of local businesses and over a dozen schools will close on the day of the verdict.
According to the Korean Heritage Service, popular tourist destinations including the Gyeongbok and Changdeok palaces, which are within walking distance of the court, would also be closed.
