South Korea's acting president urges calm ahead of impeachment ruling

Seoul, South Korea - South Korea's interim leader Han Duck-soo called on the nation on Wednesday to accept any decision from the Constitutional Court on impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol in a calm manner.

At a ministerial meeting on safety ahead of the ruling later this week, Han said he "strongly asked" politicians not to make any comments that could incite violence.

The Constitutional Court, which is reviewing Yoon's impeachment over the shock martial law order, will announce its decision on whether to remove him from office permanently or reinstate him on April 4.

South Korean police have beefed up security in areas around the court, preparing to deploy all forces from midnight into the ruling day on Friday.

"The government will not tolerate any illegal or violent acts. No matter what decision is made, we must accept the results calmly based on the rule of law," Han said.

"If we can become one again with your strength and wisdom, we can overcome this crisis of confusion and conflicts," he said.

Han also directed police to step up security for constitutional court justices.

Yoon was impeached by parliament on December 14 after being accused of violating his constitutional duty by declaring martial law in early December with no justifiable grounds.

If the court rules to oust him, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.

(Reporting by Ju-min Park and Jack Kim; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Michael Perry)