Park Hyun-soo, the acting chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, visited the Constitutional Court on the 3rd, a day before the verdict on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol, to inspect the on-site security readiness.
Park noted that on the day of the verdict, "We will declare a level 1 emergency and mobilize all police personnel and equipment possible to ensure the safety of the public."
He also said, regarding illegal acts such as violence and property damage, "We will respond strictly, including swift arrests on the scene based on a zero-tolerance principle," and added, "We will quickly investigate any terror or threats online and will not tolerate any illegal activities." He mentioned that efforts will be made to secure the safety of key facilities including the Constitutional Court and to ensure the personal safety of constitutional court justices and other key individuals.
Park stated, "Given that a large crowd is expected on the day of the verdict, we will do our utmost for crowd management and maintaining order," adding, "We ask for the cooperation of citizens to maintain order before and after the verdict date."
The police issued a level 2 emergency alert, 'Level E', at 9 a.m. that day, which allows the mobilization of 50% of police forces. On the day of the verdict, scheduled for the 4th, a total mobilization of 100% of police forces under a 'Level A' emergency will be declared nationwide.
Previously, on March 10, 2017, the day of the impeachment trial verdict against former President Park Geun-hye, a level A emergency was also declared. Despite this declaration, supporters of former President Park charged the Constitutional Court in protest against the court's ruling to uphold the impeachment, resulting in 67 casualties. Notably, during the seizure of a police bus, a large 100 kg speaker installed on the bus fell, causing the deaths of 4 protesters.