The First Arrest Warrant Hearing for a Sitting President... Tight Security Inside and Outside the Court

The court and police are strengthening control around the Seoul Western District Court, where President Yoon Seok-yeol's pre-arrest detention hearing (warrant review) is being held.

Road in front of the Western District Court controlled by police barricades. Photo by Yonhap News

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On the 18th, supporters gathered on both sides of the sidewalk about 100 meters from the Western District Court, shouting slogans such as "Impeachment invalid," while the police deployed riot squads to prevent them from gathering in front of the main gate. About 10 court staff lined up in front of the main gate, and only a limited number of verified reporters are allowed to enter after identity checks.

Before President Yoon's appearance, court staff prepared by considering various routes from the main gate to the building entrance. About 10 police riot squad members and one ambulance are also on standby at the courthouse.

On weekends, general public access to the courthouse is prohibited, so only court staff and those involved in the detention warrant review are expected to be inside, but it is also known that security service personnel are deployed at the courthouse. Security service officials reportedly arrived at the court before President Yoon's arrival.

This is an unprecedented event in constitutional history, as a sitting president appears for a warrant review hearing.

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