Acting President orders 24-hour police surveillance at Constitutional Court

Credit: Yonhap/NAN

South Korea on Wednesday, stationed police officers at courts, including the Constitutional Court, on a 24-hour basis to ensure security amid heightened tensions following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The announcement came after supporters of the impeached president stormed the Seoul Western District Court on Sunday, smashing windows and entering the premises in protest against the court’s decision to formally arrest Yoon over his short-lived declaration of martial law on Dec. 3.

“The government strongly regrets the illegal and violent incidents that occurred at the Seoul Western District Court,” Choi said during a meeting with ministers, pledging to prevent a recurrence of such acts.

Choi added that police task forces will be deployed around the clock at key national institutions, including the Constitutional Court and other courts, to strengthen security measures.

On Tuesday, thousands of supporters of Yoon gathered near the Constitutional Court under a heavy police presence as the detained president appeared for his impeachment trial for the first time.

Yoon is expected to appear at court hearings every week.

Choi further said the government will respond firmly to any illegal actions, such as assaults against police officers and vandalism during assemblies and demonstrations.

A justice ministry vehicle (C, blue) carrying arrested President Yoon Suk Yeol drives on the road en route to the Constitutional Court in Seoul on Jan. 21, 2025, as Yoon will attend the third hearing of his impeachment trial in connection with his short-lived imposition of martial law in December.

Yonhap/NAN