Acting Commissioner Lee Ho-young of the National Police Agency announced on the 2nd that a Code Red alert will be issued nationwide on the day of President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial verdict.
In his opening remarks at a nationwide police leadership video conference held that morning, Acting Commissioner Lee said, "After the impeachment trial verdict on the 4th, there is a possibility that some of the gathered crowds, in an agitated state, may engage in intense and violent protests and cause safety accidents, raising public anxiety and concerns."
Accordingly, the police will maintain an emergency duty posture nationwide until public order is stabilized.
The police will deploy 210 units and about 14,000 riot police in Seoul. Additionally, they will maintain a vacuum state around the Constitutional Court and station officers at key facilities.
Acting Commissioner Lee stated, "Regarding facility destruction, threats to judges, and assaults on police officers, these will be regarded as challenges to the rule of law, and we will respond firmly in principle with on-the-spot arrests and detention investigations."
The police plan to work closely with related agencies such as the Seoul Metropolitan Government and fire departments to thoroughly prepare for the prevention of safety accidents caused by crowd congestion.
Furthermore, they intend to promptly investigate online fake news and rumors that incite public anxiety and cause social confusion. In addition, starting from the 3rd, the release of firearms and knives stored at frontline police stations will be prohibited.
Acting Commissioner Lee said, "Active cooperation from the public regarding police measures is of utmost importance to maintain safety and order," and "we earnestly ask citizens to demonstrate mature civic consciousness so that the community’s safety level can advance to the next stage."
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