On the 26th, ahead of the appeal ruling in the case against Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, regarding violations of the Public Official Election Act, supporters of the leader and members of conservative organizations gathered near the Seoul High Court in Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, holding demonstrations from the morning.
About 60 members of the pro-Lee (pro-Lee Jae-myung) group "The Queen of Myungdae" occupied the sidewalk and roadway in front of the central district prosecution's west entrance for about 90 meters starting at 9 a.m. that day, holding a rally claiming the leader's innocence.
Many participants in the rally were seen wearing blue hats and holding blue balloons symbolizing the Democratic Party. They waved placards reading "Lee Jae-myung is innocent" and "Dissolve the political prosecution," chanting slogans like "Let's make Lee Jae-myung president." According to unofficial police estimates, by 1 p.m., there were 500 participants.
Between Seocho Station and Gangnam Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, groups and YouTubers that have criticized the leader while opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol held their own rally. The conservative YouTube channel "Shinui Han-su" reported 3,000 participants, while the conservative group Freedom National Alliance reported 300.
According to police, by 1 p.m. that day, 350 people attended the "Shinui Han-su" rally, and 250 attended the Freedom National Alliance rally. They waved Korean and U.S. flags, shouting slogans like "Arrest Lee Jae-myung" and "Dissolve the Democratic Party." They also held placards with messages such as "Arrest Lee Jae-myung," "Dissolve the Democratic Party," and "Let’s send Jae-myung to prison."
Earlier, the leader was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year probation in the first trial. If the same sentence is issued in the appeal and confirmed by the Supreme Court, the leader will be deprived of the right to run for office for 10 years.
The police have deployed about 1,100 personnel from 17 riot police units that day to prepare for emergency situations like clashes. Police buses have been positioned both inside and around the court building. The court has allowed entry only through the east gate, prohibiting entry from other vehicles except registered ones. Court staff must check identities and belongings before allowing access. Notices have also been posted stating that dangerous items, including firearms, cannot be brought in.
Supporters of the leader and conservative organizations reported to the police that a total of 3,400 people would gather that day, but by 1 p.m., only about 1,000 had assembled. This is a decrease in participants on both sides compared to the first trial ruling on Nov. 15 of last year. It appears to be influenced by the pro and anti-impeachment rallies for President Yoon taking place near Gwanghwamun and the Constitutional Court.
About 50 Democratic Party lawmakers lined up in front of the Seoul High Court, waiting for the arrival of the leader. The leader arrived in a black Carnival vehicle and shook hands with some lawmakers. As the leader entered the courtroom, he responded to reporters' questions about the ruling by saying, "Let's talk after it’s over."