The Seoul Police Agency announced on the 2nd that it would maintain a 24-hour response system in preparation for any emergency on the day of the ruling on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial.
On the same day, the Seoul Police Agency announced security measures for the day of the ruling. The measures focus on three areas: ▲ protection of the Constitutional Court's facilities, operations, and judges ▲ prevention of clashes and friction between opposing groups ▲ prevention of crowd and safety accidents due to large gatherings and swift response.
First, the highest level of emergency work system, known as 'Gaphobeoesang,' will be considered on the day of the ruling. If Gaphobeoesang is activated, 100% of police resources can be deployed. The plan is to mobilize approximately 14,000 available personnel, including 210 mobile units and criminal response teams, nationwide.
In particular, major areas in the city center, such as Jongno, Gwanghwamun, and Euljiro, where large gatherings are expected to occur, will be designated as 'special crime prevention enhancement zones,' managed by eight senior commanders to ensure security.
The Seoul Police Agency also decided to deploy special police forces near the Constitutional Court due to the ongoing online posts threatening terrorism against the court and its judges. This is to protect the judges and to take immediate action in case of an emergency. An additional security team has been assigned for the judges’ protection, and on the day of the ruling and the following 3rd, thorough inspections will be strengthened to prevent the entry of dangerous items such as weapons.
The police will strictly limit unreported gatherings near the Constitutional Court under the Act on Assemblies and Demonstrations. To prevent clashes between opposing demonstrators, sufficient buffer zones will be maintained between the gatherings to minimize friction. Given the possibility of violent protests, the use of separation dispersers (capsaicin) and police batons is also under active consideration. Safety equipment such as safety fences and mats will be mobilized to prevent safety accidents.
The Seoul Police Agency will respond strictly to illegal acts that may occur on-site, including assaults and threats, while also promptly investigating and punishing acts of incitement to violence or threats posted online.
To prevent the possibility of violence or terrorism through drones, the area around the Constitutional Court will be designated as a 'no-fly zone' on the day of the ruling. In the event of illegal drone flights, they will be captured on-site using jamming devices, and the operators will face penalties.
The police will cooperate with local governments and related authorities in the response. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will assign 528 employees to the site for three days before and after the ruling to help maintain order. The fire authorities will also deploy 74 ambulances, and sites such as Jongno District will operate field medical stations in four locations including Duksung Women's University.
Eleven schools around the Constitutional Court will close for the day of the ruling to ensure student safety. Anguk Station will be closed on the day of the ruling, and nearby subway stations may also consider skipping stops based on crowd congestion.
A police official noted, 'We ask the organizers of each assembly to actively cooperate with the police. Please ensure that personnel are positioned to secure emergency lanes for ambulances in case of an emergency, and that enough order-maintaining personnel are deployed to maintain contact with relevant agencies to prevent unforeseen incidents.'