South Korea continue to mount as the nation’s Constitutional Court deliberates on the fate of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Amid growing unrest, opposition lawmakers are demanding heightened security after one of their members was struck by an egg outside the court on Thursday.
The attack on opposition MP Back Hye-ryun, which also saw bananas being hurled, underscores the volatile political climate in Seoul. The police have yet to identify the perpetrator but suspect the involvement of pro-Yoon demonstrators who have been staging protests in the area. “In light of the gravity of the case, we have formed an investigation task force,” the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said in a statement.
Yoon’s presidency unraveled after his controversial December 3 declaration of martial law, leading lawmakers to suspend him and initiate impeachment proceedings. The Constitutional Court’s decision is now awaited to confirm or overturn his removal. Despite earlier expectations of a verdict by mid-March, the court has yet to issue a final ruling, making this the longest impeachment deliberation in South Korea’s history.
The court, however, did announce on Thursday that it would deliver a separate verdict on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was also impeached after stepping in as acting president. Han had refused opposition demands to appoint new judges to expedite Yoon’s case, adding to the legal and political gridlock.
Amid the growing unrest, opposition lawmakers visited the National Police Agency to urge for reinforced security around the court. Authorities are bracing for potential clashes on the day of the verdict, with police planning to deploy their full force to maintain order.
A police report obtained by AFP detailed extensive security measures, including the deployment of approximately 14,000 officers from 210 riot police units—more than half of the country’s riot police force. “Plainclothes officers will be positioned inside the Constitutional Court, while police special forces will remain on standby in surrounding areas,” the report stated. Additional measures include restricting access to 22 rooftops near the court and designating the area as a “no-fly zone” with anti-drone equipment on standby.
The acting police chief has also announced that the vicinity of the court will be classified as a “protest-free zone” to prevent potential riots. Officers are undergoing further training in the use of pepper spray and batons, with authorities considering deploying special units to address any bomb threats.
Public opinion remains sharply divided. While opposition supporters have called for Yoon’s permanent removal, his loyalists continue to demand his reinstatement. Since his release from detention earlier this month, Yoon’s supporters have intensified their protests, with tens of thousands rallying weekly in Seoul.
Many Yoon backers view the impeachment as politically motivated and unconstitutional. “This is an unjustified attack on democracy,” said Kim Ji-hoon, a pro-Yoon activist attending the protests. “We will not stand by while the opposition hijacks the government.”
Opposition figures, however, argue that Yoon’s declaration of martial law was a grave overreach of power. “He violated democratic principles and must be held accountable,” MP Back Hye-ryun stated just moments before being struck by the egg.
Beyond the impeachment trial, Yoon is also facing criminal charges of insurrection linked to his December martial law declaration, making him the first sitting South Korean president to stand trial for a criminal offense. He was detained in a dramatic dawn raid in January but was released on procedural grounds in early March.
If the Constitutional Court upholds his impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office and barred from seeking public office in the future. However, should the court rule in his favor, his return could further inflame political divisions and protests.
The implications of this case extend beyond domestic politics. South Korea’s allies and international investors are closely monitoring the situation, concerned about the nation’s stability. “This level of political unrest could impact South Korea’s economy and foreign relations,” said political analyst Park Soo-min. “The uncertainty surrounding Yoon’s fate is unsettling for both businesses and diplomatic partners.”
The Constitutional Court has remained tight-lipped regarding the timeline for its ruling, with a spokesperson stating on Thursday that Yoon’s case is “not expected to have a separate verdict notice this week.” This suggests that a final decision may not come until the following week at the earliest.
As the nation awaits the outcome, tensions remain high. Police forces are on high alert, opposition leaders are pressing for enhanced security, and Yoon’s supporters continue to rally in the streets. Whether the verdict brings resolution or further chaos remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: South Korea is at a pivotal moment in its modern political history.
