South Korea imposes heightened security on presidential verdict day

South Korean authorities said roads around the Constitutional Court in central Seoul will be closed due to fears of violence on April 4 when the court announces its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

South Korean police stand guard at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, April 1, 2025. Photo: THX/TTXVN

According to a VNA reporter in Seoul, with large demonstrations expected to take place in support and opposition to the ruling, the police's decision was made to ensure public order and security.

The Constitutional Court announced on April 1 that it will announce its verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon at 11 a.m. on April 4, nearly four months after the National Assembly approved an impeachment motion against the head of state on charges of violating the Constitution in declaring martial law on the night of December 3, 2024.

Police said tens of thousands of people are expected to gather near the Constitutional Court, as well as in nearby areas, including Sejongdaero, Euljiro and Sajikro, on the day of the verdict.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police said it plans to deploy 810 officers to control traffic and minimize inconvenience to the public. Police advised people to use public transportation or stay updated with the latest traffic information if they must use their own vehicles to avoid congestion.

Major palaces in the capital Seoul will be closed for the day on April 4 as a safety measure amid fears of chaos on the day the Constitutional Court issues its ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon.

The Korea Heritage Administration announced on its official website on April 1 that for safety reasons, to protect cultural heritage and prevent accidents for visitors, the palaces including Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and Deoksu Palace will all be closed on April 4.

With the closure, various cultural events, including the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbok Palace's Heungnye Gate, will also be canceled. The evening tour program called "Starlight Tour", originally scheduled for April 4, will also be postponed to April 14.

The Constitutional Court of South Korea is located in Bukchon, a historic and popular tourist area in central Seoul. In recent weeks, the area has seen continuous large protests between supporters and opponents of the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

South Korean officials said they will decide whether to extend the closure based on the situation.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/the-gioi/han-quoc-ap-dung-nhieu-bien-phap-an-ninh-trong-ngay-phan-quyet-tong-thong-20250402065121243.htm