On January 18, a day before the first trial verdict regarding former President Yoon Seok-yeol's alleged role as the leader of a rebellion, around 100 of his supporters gathered outside the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu. The atmosphere was charged with tension as participants held national flags and chanted slogans like 'Yoon Again!' and 'Dismiss the Charges!' in response to speeches by leaders of the gathering. The Seoul Police Department took precautionary measures, controlling traffic near the courthouse and setting up barricades to prevent potential unrest. Organizers from the New Right Union encouraged their supporters to prepare for an overnight vigil in support of Yoon's reinstatement, expressing determination to resist legal action against him.

During the gathering, many attendees voiced their demands for the court to not only reject the validity of the charges but to dismiss them outright. One participant, introducing himself as a 'patriotic middle-aged man,' argued against the credibility of the rebellion charges, insisting that it was impossible for a person in Yoon's position to commit such a crime. He redirected accusations towards opposition figures like Lee Jae-myung, suggesting that they were the true instigators of rebellion. Another speaker, Ju Ok-soon, a representative from the 'Mom’s Army,' echoed sentiments that institutions investigating high-ranking officials were unconstitutional, insisting that the ruling must result in a dismissal of the charges against Yoon.

This public demonstration underscores the strong political polarization in South Korea and the ongoing loyalty among Yoon's supporters, who are rallying not just in defense of the former president but against what they view as an unjust legal process. The insistence on the dismissal of charges reflects a broader sentiment among Yoon’s base that his presidency and actions were legitimate, hinting at the potential for unrest depending on the court's decision. As the trial proceeds, the implications for South Korean politics and judicial proceedings may be significant, potentially shaping the future of political accountability in the country.