South Korea stands on the edge of a historic moment as the Constitutional Court prepares to rule on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. This decision could mark a turning point in the nation’s political landscape. With just one day left before the ruling, authorities are bracing for widespread public reactions and potential unrest.
On Thursday, the court entered its final phase of deliberations. The eight justices gathered twice on Wednesday to review the decision’s wording. Legal sources report that a general consensus has emerged. However, the court is refining the legal reasoning and drafting the final text. The ruling is expected to announce whether the National Assembly’s impeachment motion against President Yoon will be upheld, dismissed, or rejected.
Presiding Justice Jeong Hyeong-sik will likely present the majority opinion. If Jeong is in the minority, another justice will take over. Dissenting opinions, if any, will also be included in the final ruling. The court’s main task is to assess whether the five impeachment charges against Yoon are serious enough to warrant removal. These charges include the illegal declaration of martial law and ordering troops to blockade the National Assembly. For the impeachment to pass, at least six justices must agree.
In preparation for the ruling, South Korea has heightened security measures. The court initially planned to prohibit media coverage of the justices’ arrivals. However, after discussions, the court allowed limited press access. Only credentialed journalists will be allowed to report on the justices’ entrance.
Access to the court building has been strictly controlled. Police and court staff are stationed at all entrances to ensure security. In addition, curtains have been drawn on the building’s windows, and all external movements are under close watch. These precautions reflect fears of potential unrest, as rallies in support of and against the impeachment are expected to draw tens of thousands of people.
To manage potential threats, the National Police Agency raised the emergency alert level to Level 2. On the day of the ruling, the alert will rise to Level 1, ensuring full deployment of police forces nationwide. More than 14,000 officers will be stationed across the capital, with a focus on key locations like the Constitutional Court and the presidential office. Special operations units are on standby to address possible disruptions, including drone attacks.
Schools and businesses are also adjusting to the national significance of the event. Nine provincial education offices, including those in Gwangju and Incheon, have given schools the option to stream the ruling for civic education. However, this has sparked debate about political neutrality in classrooms. Some argue that watching the ruling may create divisions among students.
Meanwhile, public interest in attending the ruling in person has reached record levels. Over 90,000 citizens applied for just 20 public seats at the Constitutional Court. The competition is fierce, with a staggering 4,500 applicants per seat. This far exceeds the previous presidential impeachment cases in 2017 and 2004.
As South Korea prepares for this unprecedented moment, the nation holds its breath. Whatever the court’s decision, the ruling will undoubtedly reshape the political future of President Yoon and South Korea itself.
