SEOUL — South Korean authorities are stepping up security measures as the Constitutional Court prepares to deliver its verdict on whether to remove or reinstate impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. With tensions running high, police forces will be deployed in large numbers, and safety precautions—including subway station closures and school shutdowns—are being put in place.

Yoon's impeachment followed his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, which led to criminal charges of insurrection. The ruling, expected as early as this week, is likely to draw massive crowds from both his supporters and opponents, with past protests already gathering tens of thousands. "We are preparing for worst-case scenarios," said Lee Ho-young, Acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency. Officers will be authorized to use pepper spray and batons if violence erupts, similar to the clashes in January when Yoon’s supporters stormed a court building.

To maintain order, the Seoul Metro announced that a subway station near the Constitutional Court will be shut down on the day of the ruling, with potential disruptions at other stations near protest sites. Additionally, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education advised six nearby schools to take precautions, with at least one opting to close entirely. Security has already been tightened at Yoon’s residence, where thousands of his supporters rallied over the weekend in protest against his impeachment. Police parked buses along main roads and set up checkpoints to restrict access.

A police official, speaking anonymously, warned that authorities must remain on high alert, drawing comparisons to the 2017 impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, when violent protests led to multiple deaths and injuries. To prevent further risks, officials are even considering closing gas stations near the court on the day of the ruling. With emotions running high on both sides, South Korea braces for what could be one of its most politically charged moments in recent history.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.