Aamir Latif and Saadet Gokce
03 April 2025•Update: 04 April 2025
ISTANBUL
South Korean police have been on high alert with thousands of personnel to be deployed as the Constitutional Court is set to deliver its verdict on the impeachment of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid on Friday, according to local media.
Police have placed their forces on the second-highest alert on Thursday, as they plan to deploy some 14,000 personnel in the capital Seoul, Yonhap News reported.
The eight-judge court will rule on whether to reinstate or remove Yoon, who was impeached by the National Assembly on Dec. 14 for his botched martial law attempt, that plunged the nation into the worst political crisis in recent history.
If reinstated, Yoon will immediately resume his duties. If removed, the country shall see a snap presidential election within the next 60 days.
By law, the nod of a minimum of six judges is required to uphold the impeachment.
The Constitutional Court late last month dismissed the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating him to his duties.
The "Eulho" alert put half of all available police forces on emergency standby, while the highest alert, "Gapho," will be issued on Friday to assign the entire force to the situation.
Police have already completed the "vacuum zone" operation near the Constitutional Court by sealing off the area with police buses.
The South Korean military will also enhance its surveillance measures against North Korea ahead of the ruling, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The verdict will be delivered from the court and live broadcasts will be allowed, along with attendance by the public.
Yoon, according to his legal team, will not attend the much-awaiting session of the Constitutional Court on Friday.
In January, he was arrested and indicted on criminal rebellion charges, but was released from prison last month after a Seoul district court canceled his arrest and allowed him to stand trial without being physically detained.
