Han Duck-soo, acting prime minister and deputy to the president, said on the 25th, “We will take resolute action and conduct thorough investigations under the principle of 'on-the-spot arrests' against acts that challenge public authority, such as facility destruction, assault, and arson, or undermine public safety and social order.” This was in response to the looming Constitutional Court verdict on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol, accompanied by warnings against threats of terrorism.
The acting prime minister held a meeting of security ministers that afternoon at the Seoul Government Complex in Jongno and stated, “Our Republic of Korea is at a significant turning point in its constitutional history.”
He stated, “As the decision of the Constitutional Court approaches, various voices are being expressed in the plazas and streets, and the concern over the occurrence of illegal or violent acts during gatherings and protests is increasing. I earnestly request that everyone express their opinions in an orderly and peaceful manner within the bounds defined by the Constitution and the law.”
He added, “The government will do its utmost to protect the lives and safety of the people and maintain order,” and emphasized, “We will deploy all available police and administrative forces to ensure stable maintenance of public order under any circumstances.”
The acting prime minister remarked, “We will broadly deploy mobile units to prepare for unexpected situations, respond swiftly according to the circumstances, and establish eight special crime prevention enhancement zones in major urban areas to deploy regional response teams, ensuring public safety without gaps.” He also urged, “I hope that the police and related agencies, such as the Ministry of the Interior and Seoul City, will be thoroughly prepared to prevent any unfortunate incidents, including crowd accidents.”
He continued, “Now, minimizing social conflict and operating state affairs stably is of utmost importance,” stating, “Our nation is at a critical juncture where it must move from 'division and confrontation' to 'stability and integration.'”
He emphasized, “Regardless of the outcome of the Constitutional Court's decision, it must be respected as a legal judgment made through democratic processes,” adding, “Furthermore, it should serve as the starting point for our society to unite beyond division and confrontation.”