Court Secures Seoul Central District Court Ahead of Verdict on Ex‑President Yoon’s Insurrection Case
Updated (4 articles)
Intensive Police Deployment and Physical Barriers Police have mobilized roughly 1,000 officers around the Seoul Central District Court, positioning police buses as makeshift barriers and limiting public access after a Yoon‑supporter riot at the Seoul Western District Court in January 2025 [1]. The heightened presence aims to deter any repeat violence during the upcoming hearing. Officers also monitor surrounding streets and transit hubs to intercept potential agitators.
Scheduled Hearing and Death‑Penalty Recommendation The court will announce its ruling at 3 p.m. on February 19, 2026, following special prosecutors’ recommendation that former President Yoon Suk‑Yeol receive the death penalty for conspiring to incite a riot and unlawfully declaring martial law on December 3, 2024 [1]. The recommendation reflects the prosecutors’ view of the gravity of the alleged insurrection. The verdict will be delivered publicly in the main courtroom.
Contrasting Demonstrations Planned by Supporters and Opponents Around 80 Yoon supporters held an overnight rally, while far‑right civic groups such as the Freedom Union organized a planned gathering of roughly 2,300 participants from 9 a.m. until the hearing concludes [1]. In response, the progressive Candlelight Action group scheduled a 5,000‑person candlelight rally near Seocho Station at 2 p.m. to demand Yoon’s conviction. Both sides anticipate heavy police monitoring.
Court Entry Restrictions and Media Access Since the previous Friday, the court complex has closed all entrances except the east gate, allowing only pre‑registered vehicles and accredited press to enter [1]. Security checkpoints screen all arrivals, and additional barriers block pedestrian traffic. The restrictions aim to streamline control and reduce the risk of crowd infiltration.
Political Messaging During Overnight Rally Left‑leaning YouTubers attending the overnight gathering displayed banners reading “The insurrection has not ended even after a year,” signaling continued opposition to Yoon’s actions [1]. The messaging underscores the polarized narrative surrounding the trial. Organizers hope the visual statements will amplify their stance in domestic and international media.
Timeline
Dec 3, 2024 – President Yoon Suk‑yeol declares martial law, suspending the National Assembly, banning political parties and restricting rallies on alleged threats from North Korean sympathisers and Chinese spies[4].
Dec 3, 2024 (within six hours) – 190 of 300 lawmakers convene a plenary session and vote to lift the martial law decree, nullifying Yoon’s emergency order[4].
Apr 4, 2025 – The Constitutional Court formally removes Yoon after impeachment, ending the 123‑day crisis that began with the martial‑law declaration[4].
Jan 2025 – Yoon supporters stage a riot at Seoul Western District Court, prompting authorities to tighten security for future proceedings[2].
Dec 2, 2025 (7 p.m.) – About 3,000 liberal activists gather at Exit 5 of National Assembly Station to mark the first anniversary of the martial‑law decree; opposition leader Lee Jae‑Myung attends the rally[3].
Dec 2, 2025 (2 p.m.) – Roughly 400 conservative Yoon supporters rally at Exit 3 of National Assembly Station, demanding Lee Jae‑Myung’s resignation and marching toward Democratic Party and PPP headquarters[3].
Dec 2, 2025 (3 p.m.) – A separate conservative group holds a rally in front of the PPP headquarters, defending the legitimacy of the martial law and opposing the party’s apology[3].
Dec 2, 2025 (morning) – Members of Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions stage an earlier rally at the same station, highlighting labor and disability‑rights involvement[3].
Dec 2, 2025 (morning) – Yoon supporters march from Hongik University Station toward the presidential office in Yongsan, showing a broader geographic spread of pro‑Yoon activism[3].
Dec 19, 2025 – Freedom University, led by 24‑year‑old Park Joon‑young, organizes pro‑Yoon university rallies, displaying banners such as “Korea for Koreans” and “Chinese Communist Party out!” and drawing thousands of participants[1].
Dec 19, 2025 – The rallies feature MAGA‑inspired slogans “Make Korea Great Again” and “We are Charlie Kirk,” referencing the assassinated young influencer[1].
Dec 19, 2025 – Park expands recruitment via EveryTime and short‑form videos on Instagram, Threads and YouTube, accelerating the movement’s rapid growth[1].
Feb 19, 2026 (3 p.m.) – Seoul Central District Court announces it will deliver its verdict on Yoon’s trial, with special prosecutors recommending the death penalty for conspiring to stage a riot and illegally declaring martial law on Dec 3 2024[2].
Feb 19, 2026 – Police deploy about 1,000 officers, position police buses as barriers and restrict court access after the Jan 2025 riot, aiming to deter violence around the hearing[2].
Feb 19, 2026 (overnight) – Around 80 Yoon supporters hold an overnight rally, while far‑right civic groups including Freedom Union register a 2,300‑person rally to run from 9 a.m. until the hearing concludes[2].
Feb 19, 2026 (2 p.m.) – Progressive organization Candlelight Action plans a 5,000‑person candlelight rally near Seocho Station, demanding Yoon’s conviction[2].
Feb 19, 2026 (overnight) – Left‑leaning YouTubers display banners reading “The insurrection has not ended even after a year,” underscoring continued opposition to Yoon’s actions[2].
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