President Yoon Seok-yeol's Impeachment Trial: Foreign Embassies in Korea Issue Warnings to Their Citizens

As the impeachment trial verdict for President Yoon Seok-yeol is scheduled for the 4th, foreign embassies in Korea are showing signs of tension.

Major embassies from the United States, Russia, China, and other countries are repeatedly issuing alerts to their citizens residing in Korea.

On the 2nd, the U.S. Embassy in Korea advised its citizens through a directive to "prepare for large-scale gatherings and heightened police presence."

They specifically warned to "avoid areas where gatherings are taking place and to exercise caution near large crowds, assemblies, and protests," noting, "Even peaceful protests can turn confrontational and escalate into violence."

The U.S. Embassy detailed that protests could potentially occur near the National Assembly, Gwanghwamun Square, the Constitutional Court, the President's Office, the presidential residence, and university campuses, encouraging American citizens in Korea to continuously check local news and follow the guidelines from the government and local authorities.

Emergency Response and Operational Adjustments by Foreign Embassies

The U.S. Embassy also announced the cancellation of regular consular services at its Gwanghwamun location on the afternoon of the 3rd and on the 4th, the day of the impeachment trial verdict. As a result, services such as visa and passport interviews, notarization, and registration of overseas births will be temporarily suspended.

Previously, on the 1st, the Russian Embassy in Korea had advised its citizens to "refrain from participating in political actions or visiting places with large crowds." This appears to be a precautionary measure in anticipation of large gatherings and protests following the impeachment trial results.

On the same day, the Chinese Embassy in Korea also urged caution, stating, "There is a possibility of large-scale gatherings and protests across regions, and extreme incidents may occur." They requested citizens to pay attention to local political situations and security conditions and to enhance risk prevention awareness.

The simultaneous issuance of warnings by major foreign embassies reflects concerns that the outcome of the impeachment trial could lead to significant upheaval in Korean society.

As large-scale gatherings from both supporting and opposing factions are anticipated around the time of the Constitutional Court's announcement, foreign missions are taking preemptive measures to prepare for any eventualities.

Meanwhile, the Seoul City government plans to deploy response personnel at major subway stations and crowded areas to ensure citizens' safety from the 3rd, the day before the verdict, until the 5th, for a total of three days, with up to 2,400 responders.

Specifically, Anguk Station, close to the Constitutional Court, will close its entrances from that day, and on the day of the verdict, trains will pass without stopping all day.

Additionally, to prepare for multiple potential incidents, on-site medical stations will be established in Anguk, Cheonggye Plaza, Hannam-dong, and Yeouidaero, and doctors, medical staff, and ambulances will be deployed for emergency situations.

Image Source: U.S. Embassy / Photo: Insight, Chinese Embassy in Korea / Photo: Insight, reference images for understanding the article / News1