On the 4th, the first weekend of the new year, large-scale rallies for and against the arrest of President Yoon Suk-yeol took place in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where the presidential residence is located, on charges of treason. Despite sub-zero temperatures affecting the perceived temperature, both sides held overnight rallies until after midnight.
The Emergency Action for Yoon Suk-yeol's Immediate Resignation and Social Reform (Emergency Action) held a rally at 4 p.m., while the Korean Patriotic Movement Headquarters (Patriotic Headquarters), led by Pastor Jun Kwang-hun, held theirs from 1 p.m. in Gwanghwamun. In the evening, both sides moved their rallies from Gwanghwamun to Hannam-dong.
As both groups gathered in Hannam-dong, tensions rose with the reduced distance between the opposing rallies. A significant number of rally participants traveled to Hannam-dong via subway and buses, causing traffic congestion in the area. A long line stretched approximately 150 meters from exit 2 of Hangangjin Station to the overpass. Subway trains on line 6 passing through this station bypassed without stopping for 20 minutes starting at 5:21 p.m. Hannam-daero (from Hannam Five-Way Intersection to Bukhan Three-Way Intersection) was also closed in both directions.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and Candlelight Action, calling for President Yoon's arrest, continued their rallies in front of Hannam Elementary School and exit 2 of Hangangjin Station, while the Patriotic Headquarters held their rally in front of the International Lutheran Church, approximately 400 meters away from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.
After 7 p.m., up to 45,000 and 38,000 people attended the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and Patriotic Headquarters rallies, respectively. In the Hannam-dong area, chants of “Arrest immediately” and “Protect the president” intertwined from both sides. They engaged in verbal clashes, shouting insults and high-pitched yells at each other, while the police set up a barrier of vehicles and a fence to prepare for any eventuality.
Having also held an overnight rally the previous day, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions attempted to march toward the presidential residence at noon, demanding President Yoon's arrest. During this process, clashes occurred with the police, and two individuals were arrested on the spot for obstructing official duties by assaulting officers. Subsequently, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions occupied all lanes in front of the residence.
Some supporters of President Yoon and members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions faced off, shouting loudly across the police's 'human chain' barricade and a mobile unit bus.