Reviewing the Possibility of Issuing the Highest Emergency Alert
Preparing for Large-Scale Clashes
With the Constitutional Court's ruling on the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol approaching, police in Gwangju and Jeonnam are entering an emergency work system to prepare for any unexpected situations.
News related to the court's acceptance of President Yoon Seokyeol's request to cancel his detention is being displayed in the waiting area of Seoul Station on the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News
According to the police on the 9th, the Gwangju Metropolitan Police Agency plans to implement a Level 1 emergency alert or an equivalent emergency work system on the day of the Constitutional Court's ruling. Level 1 emergency alert is the highest stage of emergency operation, in which police officers' annual leave is suspended and 100% of available police personnel are mobilized.
The police plan to strengthen security at locations where large crowds are expected to gather and at facilities where there is concern about clashes. In preparation for the possibility of the riot police being dispatched to Seoul, the city police agency and local police stations will form reserve units by selecting personnel.
The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency is also preparing for a similar level of emergency response. The police plan to consult with the National Police Agency headquarters early next week to establish specific security plans.
The Constitutional Court's ruling is expected to be delivered in the middle of this month. Legal circles cited the fact that the impeachment rulings for former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye were delivered on the Friday two weeks after the conclusion of pleadings.
Currently, there are no rallies scheduled in Gwangju or Jeonnam where clashes between pro- and anti-impeachment groups are expected. During the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017, the Gwangju and Jeonnam police supported Seoul with a large number of personnel, but the local atmosphere remained calm without any significant incidents or accidents.
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