A rally urging the acquittal of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung took place near the Seoul Central District Court on March 26, coinciding with the appellate court ruling day for his election law case. Supporters and YouTubers advocating for Lee’s acquittal gathered from 10 AM at Banpodaero in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, holding a pre-rally and continuing with the main rally until the trial concluded.
Around noon, approximately 150 participants gathered, holding blue balloons and signs with messages like “Lee Jae-myung is innocent” and chanting slogans such as “Lee Jae-myung is innocent” and “Disband the political prosecutors.”
Leading the rally, YouTubers criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol and called for creating a “better Republic of Korea under President Lee Jae-myung.”
Conversely, nearby at a three-way intersection near the court, YouTubers who have been critical of Lee and opposing President Yoon’s impeachment held a rally advocating for Lee’s arrest. The number of attendees grew from around 30 to over 300, carrying flags, including the Korean and American flags, and signs stating “Arrest Lee Jae-myung” and “Disband the Democratic Party.” Former planning director of Seongnam Development Corporation, Yoo Dong-gyu, also spoke, criticizing Lee and the Democratic Party.
A separate rally by conservative YouTube channel operator Shin Hye-sik and the Korea Right Establishment Movement HQ was also taking place with around 100 participants demanding Lee’s detention.
As the Seoul High Court was expected to announce its verdict at 2 PM, both sides’ rallies were anticipated to intensify. In preparation for potential conflicts, the police deployed 17 units comprising about 1,100 officers, with numerous police buses stationed around the court from early morning. Only registered vehicles were allowed entry through the east gate of the courthouse, which also displayed warnings against bringing firearms and other dangerous items.