Seoul Braces for Unrest as 14,000 Riot Police Deployed Ahead of Yoon’s Impeachment Ruling

South Korean authorities have mobilized 14,000 riot police in Seoul ahead of the Constitutional Court’s imminent ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, following his brief declaration of martial law last December. This unprecedented deployment, covering 60% of the country’s riot police force, is aimed at preventing potential large-scale protests and attacks on judicial institutions.

Security measures include criminal justice police officers stationed at the court, a no-fly zone over the area, anti-drone equipment, and restricted access to nearby buildings. Schools, a subway station, and multiple sites around the court will remain closed on the ruling day. The verdict, which requires six out of eight judges to uphold impeachment, could either remove Yoon permanently, triggering new elections, or reinstate him to serve until 2027.

Authorities remain on high alert after hundreds of Yoon’s supporters stormed a Seoul court in January. Any attempts to breach the Constitutional Court will result in immediate arrests, with special police units on standby.