April 3, 2025
SEOUL – Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Wednesday urged politicians to avoid making divisive remarks that could lead to violence on Friday, when the Constitutional Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
Han’s remark comes amid a deepening partisan rift observed in the National Assembly, coupled with the political turmoil that has gripped the nation since Yoon’s martial law decree in December.
“Now is a time to prioritize the stability and survival of our community over political gain,” Han said during a meeting attended by the heads of the justice, science, defense and interior ministries. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also attended the meeting, as did the chiefs of police and firefighting agencies.
“I earnestly plead with you to refrain from remarks that can provoke or incite illegal protests or violence. Please show a responsible attitude that contributes to social cohesion rather than (prompting) division and conflict,” he added.
Concerns have mounted over the possibility of violence and clashes on Friday between pro- and anti-Yoon protesters as well as conflict between demonstrators and the police.
Observers pointed to the several incidents of violence that unfolded on March 10, 2017, when the Constitutional Court delivered its verdict on former President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment, officially ousting her.
Eight people were arrested and 22 were referred to prosecutors without detention on charges including assault and obstruction of official duties, on the day the court delivered its verdict on Park, National Police Agency data showed. The data obtained and released by Rep. Youn Kun-young of the Democratic Party of Korea last month showed that of the eight people arrested, three were sentenced to prison — with the maximum term being one year — and one was slapped with a fine of 1 million won ($682). They were all found guilty of assault against police officers or bystanders.
Police and the government are bracing for potential violence on Friday and have been setting up appropriate safety measures to bolster security. Barricades will be installed around the court with about 14,000 police officers from 210 units deployed throughout Seoul alone. Anguk Station, the subway station nearest to the court, will be closed on the day of the ruling.
Echoing Han’s sentiments, political and sociology experts said that politicians must be at the forefront of a movement for unity, rather than inciting social division. Otherwise, the ongoing political turmoil is likely to continue, they added.
“Polarization in politics, which is now seen in factional rivalries, has spilled over to the streets, creating a near-civil war situation,” said Lee Byoung-hoon, a professor emeritus of sociology at Chung-Ang University. “President Yoon and the leaders of the two major parties here must release a message that conveys their willingness to accept the court ruling and be at the forefront of the movement to unify society.”
Kim Eui-young, professor of political science at Seoul National University, said among the most desirable qualities in political leaders today should be having the will to “refrain from riling up their supporters with extreme political beliefs.”
Meanwhile, the rival parties bickered throughout the day over the main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung’s apparent unwillingness to release an official statement that he would accept the court’s ruling.
Lee said in a local media interview last month that he is willing to accept the court ruling, whether it reinstates Yoon to power or ousts the impeached president. However, on Wednesday, when asked if there were any changes to his stance, he replied, “concession is what Yoon should do.”
The ruling People Power Party shot back, labeling Lee’s latest remark as “inappropriate” and calling for the main opposition leader to release an official statement conveying his willingness to concede the court decision.
During the morning Cabinet meeting, Han stressed that “we must all accept” Friday’s result calmly and pleaded with protesters to express their opinions in a peaceful manner.
“If we become one again with the strength and wisdom of our people, we will certainly be able to overcome the current crisis of confusion and conflict,” he said.
Maintaining safety and security in the country will be the government’s priority, and any challenge to law enforcement, such as assault and destruction of facilities, will be handled with “zero tolerance,” Han added.
The Constitutional Court announced Tuesday that it plans to deliver its ruling on Yoon’s impeachment at 11 a.m. Friday, nearly four months after the Assembly passed the motion to impeach Yoon, accusing him of insurrection through his botched imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.
The court’s current eight-member bench will vote on whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.