Police vehicles form long barricades near the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial scheduled for 2 p.m. (Yonhap)
Police vehicles form long barricades near the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial scheduled for 2 p.m. (Yonhap)

​​Security was tightened across Seoul on Tuesday as arrested President Yoon Suk Yeol made an outing from a detention facility outside the city to attend his impeachment trial.

The highly divisive leader's first public appearance since his failed Dec. 3 martial law bid heightened tensions for police, particularly as it came just two days after a shocking attack on a court by his supporters.

Approximately 4,000 police officers from 64 riot squads have been stationed near the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, where the impeachment trial is taking place. Police buses, barricades and patrols line the area, leaving only two of four traffic lanes open in front of the court.

Officers are stationed in surrounding alleys, while the court’s main gate is protected by dual layers of barricades and vehicle barricades formed by police buses.

Access to the Constitutional Court in Seoul is heavily controlled by police  (Yonhap)
Access to the Constitutional Court in Seoul is heavily controlled by police (Yonhap)

Inside the court, security personnel checked the identities of all entrants.

The heightened precautions follow Sunday's violent protest, when Yoon’s supporters stormed the Seoul Western District Court, damaging the building and clashing with law enforcement.

Judges and investigators under protection

Judge Cha Eun-kyung of the Seoul Western District Court, who issued the formal arrest warrant for Yoon, has been placed under police protection, along with Shin Han-mi, a judge involved in renewing the initial warrant for his 48-hour detention. Security measures include armed escorts to and from work, increased patrols around their homes and workplaces and a dedicated emergency hotline for immediate police assistance.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, which is investigating Yoon, has also requested protection for its team of prosecutors and investigators after several were attacked by Yoon’s supporters on Saturday. As the team returned from a hearing at the Seoul Western District Court, they were confronted near Gongdeok Station by demonstrators who damaged their vehicles and physically assaulted them, leaving some injured.

Police have since deployed additional patrols and escorts to safeguard the CIO team. Temporary housing and other security measures may be provided if deemed necessary. Authorities have confirmed that these protections will remain in place as long as threats persist.