Authorities in Seoul will station approximately 14,000 riot police on standby on the day the Constitutional Court delivers its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, officials confirmed on March 19, according to Yonhap News Agency.

This figure accounts for 60 % of the nation’s riot control forces, which will be mobilised under the highest security alert level. The court concluded proceedings last month regarding Yoon’s impeachment over his declaration of martial law on December 3. While a verdict is expected soon, the exact date remains undisclosed. As a result, tensions remain high in Seoul with many expected to turn out to protest the ruling, whichever way it goes.

Initially, police intended to deploy 12,000 officers but increased the number to address potential large-scale demonstrations and security threats, particularly against the court and its judges. To enhance security, criminal justice officers will be stationed within the Constitutional Court premises, while special police units will be on standby nearby.

Officials have emphasised that anyone attempting to breach the court will be immediately detained.

Since March 13, the vicinity around the court building has been declared a no-fly zone. To counter potential unauthorised drone activity, police will also deploy anti-drone technology. On the day of the ruling, operations at a nearby school, a subway station, a petrol station, and four construction sites are also expected to be halted, reports suggest. Additionally, access to the rooftops of 22 surrounding buildings has been restricted.

Earlier in January, Yoon’s supporters stormed the Seoul Western District Court in protest over his formal arrest, prompting heightened security measures for the upcoming decision.