South Korea’s acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Wednesday urged the people to calmly accept the Constitutional Court’s decision to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, and police stepped up security around the court ahead of the ruling this Friday.
At a ministerial security meeting ahead of the judgement, Acting President Han Duck-soo said he had “urged” politicians not to make any comments that could incite violence.
“The government will not tolerate any illegal or violent action. No matter what decision is made, we must calmly accept it based on the rule of law. If we can become united again with your strength and wisdom, we can overcome this crisis of confusion and conflict,” the acting president said.
He also said that police across the country will be on high alert on April 4.
“Due to the highest alert level declared, which requires mobilisation of 100 percent of the police force, some 14,000 officers from 210 units will be deployed in Seoul alone to prepare for contingencies that may arise from possible mass gatherings following the court ruling,” Han Duck-soo also added.
The Constitutional Court, which is considering whether to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol over his imposition of martial law emergency, said it will announce its decision on Friday, on whether to permanently suspend him or reinstate him.
The impeachment was initiated on December 14, 2024 by the National Assembly following the president’s attempt to impose martial law, which sparked violent protests and political infighting. Since the conclusion of the trial on February 25, a decision was expected in March, but the process has been delayed, leading to additional tensions.
If the court affirms Yoon’s impeachment, a presidential election will be held within 60 days.
