[Report] "Suppressing Insurrection Forces" "Dismiss Unconditionally"... Yoon Impeachment Verdict Day 'Tense Atmosphere'

Pro-Impeachment Side: "8 to 0 Approval"
Anti-Impeachment Side: "Eradicate Anti-State Forces"
Police Issue 'Gapho Emergency'... 100% Deployment Possible

"I came out to lend even a little support to the impeachment approval."

On the morning of the 4th, the day of President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment ruling, citizens and organization members supporting the impeachment are holding a rally urging approval near the Constitutional Court in Anguk-dong, Seoul, waiting for the ruling. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

On the morning of the 4th near the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Mr. Moon Kyung-gyu (29), whom we met, said, "I thought we needed to show that there are many people at the pro-impeachment rally," and added, "After the impeachment, I hope society will become one that better protects socioeconomically vulnerable groups."

Ms. Bae Eun-jin (53) said, "I couldn't come out during Park Geun-hye's impeachment because my children were young, but this time I came to commemorate this historic moment," and added, "I plan to move to the Hannam-dong residence in the afternoon." Mr. Park Ok-hyun (57) said, "Whether it's 7 to 1 or 8 to 0, the approval will come," and added, "I hope for a society where freedom of expression is protected regardless of whom one supports."

The area around the Constitutional Court, Gwanghwamun, and the Hannam-dong residence was filled with crowds from early morning. Ahead of the ruling on President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial, citizens gathered with tension and anticipation. Among them were people who had stayed up all night. Participants in the pro-impeachment rally shouted slogans such as "Dismiss Yoon Seok-yeol," "Immediate dismissal of Yoon Seok-yeol," "Suppress the insurrection forces," and "Complete eradication of the insurrection forces." Participants in the anti-impeachment rally held Taegeukgi flags, U.S. flags, and "Stop The Steal" placards.

On the morning of the 4th, the day of President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment ruling, citizens and organization members supporting the impeachment are holding a rally urging approval near the Constitutional Court in Anguk-dong, Seoul, waiting for the ruling. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

On the other hand, the anti-impeachment rally showed signs of overheating even before the ruling. Mr. Kim Geon-ho (78), whom we met in front of Gwanghwamun Station, said, "Having lived through the Korean War, why would I come out here otherwise?" and added, "It will definitely be dismissed. That's how democracy survives."

Mr. Heo (75), whom we met in front of Anguk Station, said, "I've been coming every day since 6:30 a.m. I think it will be dismissed by 4 to 4 or 5 to 3," and added, "The president's return is natural, and I plan to continue supporting." Mr. Kwon Joon-sik (65), who stayed up all night, said, "Given the public opinion trend, it will be dismissed 5 to 3," and added, "When the Constitutional Court ruling comes out, I will go to Hannam-dong to welcome the president's return." Ms. Park Jeong-hye (61), whom we met in front of the Hannam-dong residence, said, "The emergency martial law was declared to eradicate anti-state forces," and added, "The impeachment should be dismissed."

According to the police, groups such as the "Immediate Resignation of Yoon Seok-yeol and Emergency Action for Social Reform" (Emergency Action) reported that about 100,000 people would gather near the Constitutional Court. The Liberty Unification Party, led by Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, planned rallies with 27,000 people around Gwanghwamun and 6,000 people in front of exits 5 and 1 of Anguk Station. The scale and nature of the rallies are expected to vary depending on the impeachment trial results.

On the morning of the 4th, street traffic near the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul is being restricted. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The police issued a "Gapho Emergency" order on the 4th, allowing them to deploy 100% of their forces nationwide. As of 6 a.m., about 7,000 riot police from 110 units were deployed around the Constitutional Court, Gwanghwamun, and Jongno areas. Approximately 2,000 personnel from 30 units were stationed in Hannam-dong and about 1,300 personnel from 20 units in Yeouido. Earlier, the police announced that they would mobilize 338 riot police units totaling about 20,000 nationwide, with more than 60% of them?210 units and about 14,000 personnel?deployed in the Seoul area alone.

Strict security is also in place around the Constitutional Court. The police surrounded an area of more than 150 meters around the court with vehicle barricades to create a vacuum zone preventing protesters from entering. Protests are completely banned in this area. The police are currently blocking pedestrian traffic in front of the court for the general public, allowing only police, court staff, and press to pass. Members of the press must show both their press ID and personal identification to be granted passage.

An additional security team has been deployed to protect the justices, and inspections near the court have been intensified. Police special forces are stationed near the court building to protect it, and riot police are preparing capsaisin spray and batons. The area has been designated a no-fly zone, restricting drone flights.