On the 19th, following the arrest of President Yoon Suk-yeol, some of his supporters stormed into the Seoul Western District Court, causing a violent illegal incident. In the aftermath, court officials were seen cleaning up and repairing damaged facilities and items. According to Yonhap News Agency, footage of these actions was captured and shared.
A former judge commented on the incident, suggesting that charges not only of public disturbance but potentially even insurrection could apply. On the 20th, lawyer Oh Ji-won, who served as a judge in Daejeon and Suwon, expressed this view on MBC Radio’s “Kim Jong-bae’s Focus.”
Oh stated that the collective actions included destruction, assault, and intrusion while carrying dangerous objects, indicating that the severity of charges might vary depending on individual conduct. He noted that charges such as obstruction of public duties, unauthorized entry into public buildings, damage to public property, and public disturbance could be applicable.
Furthermore, Oh explained that Article 91, Clause 2 of the Criminal Code defines insurrection as actions that incapacitate a state institution established by the constitution through coercion, indicating that an investigation into insurrection-related charges is justified given the court’s constitutional role.
He elaborated that video evidence from the scene clearly shows the collective nature and intent of the disturbances, suggesting that charges could be substantiated against participants. If evidence emerges showing that individuals issued direct orders at the scene, they could potentially face charges of incitement to insurrection.
If insurrection charges do not apply, Oh suggested that charges related to incitement could still be pursued. Since the incident involved crimes committed through collective performance, aiding and abetting such actions could be scrutinized. He indicated that certain YouTubers involved might face charges for incitement, given their influential roles in the crowd.