Only 20 Attend Out of 2,000 Reported as 'Yoon Again' Rally Faces Cold Wave

Sharp Decline in Attendance Compared to Expectations
Counter-Protest Draws Only a Few Participants
Police Deploy Barricades to Prevent Clashes

On January 9, the day of the sentencing hearing for former President Yoon Seokyeol on charges of leading a rebellion, the area in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul, was quiet. Although a rally of 2,300 people had been reported for that day, only about 20 people actually attended.

On the 9th, in front of the Seoul Central District Court where the sentencing hearing for former President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is charged with leading an insurrection, was held, a supporter was holding a photo of former President Yoon.

Around 9 a.m., despite subzero temperatures, supporters held placards with phrases such as "Protect Judicial Independence" and chanted slogans like "Yoon Seokyeol is Innocent," "Martial Law is Legal," and "Yoon Again." The Liberty Korea People's Solidarity and Liberty & Hope had initially reported rallies expected to draw hundreds or even thousands, but the actual turnout was only about 1-2% of the reported numbers.

At the same time, across from the court in front of the west wing of the Jeonggok Building, a counter-protest demanding punishment for former President Yoon was held. Organized by the YouTube channel Jeongchi Hanjan, about six people participated, shouting strong slogans such as "There is no option but life imprisonment or the death penalty." Although a crosswalk separated the two groups and there were loud arguments and insults exchanged, no physical clashes occurred. Police placed vehicles and officers between the groups to prevent any conflict.

The Criminal Division 25 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Ji Guyoun) had planned to hold the sentencing hearing from 9:20 a.m. for former President Yoon and seven senior military and police officials, including former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyeon, on rebellion-related charges. The sentencing hearing was scheduled to proceed in the order of the special prosecutor's closing statement and sentencing recommendation, the defense's final argument, and the defendant's final statement.

Supporters gathered in front of the Seoul Central District Court on the 9th, where the sentencing hearing for former President Yoon Seokyeol, accused of leading a rebellion, was held.

However, as the defense team employed a strategy to delay the proceedings, the hearing lasted for nearly 12 hours. The court explained, "We provided enough time for all defense attorneys to speak sufficiently." Former President Yoon's legal team agreed to an additional hearing date, stating, "It is not appropriate to present key arguments in the early morning or when fatigued."

Former President Yoon appeared in court at 9:22 a.m. wearing a navy suit. During the proceedings, he was seen whispering with his attorneys or resting with his eyes closed.

He was indicted and detained in January last year on charges of insurrection for the purpose of undermining the constitutional order, including the declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024. In this case, former President Yoon is accused of leading a rebellion by attempting to blockade the National Assembly and arrest or detain key figures. Under the Criminal Act, the penalty for leading a rebellion is death, life imprisonment, or life penal servitude.

This is the first time in constitutional history in about 30 years since former President Chun Doo-hwan that a sentence has been sought for leading a rebellion, and it is the first time a sitting president has been indicted and detained. The special prosecutor's team is reportedly weighing between the death penalty and life imprisonment, considering the gravity of the offense and lack of remorse. However, taking into account the societal impact and the practical length of the sentence, there is also a possibility that life imprisonment will be sought.

The sentencing hearing for this case has been postponed to January 13 at the request of former President Yoon's side. The first-instance verdict is expected to be delivered by mid-February at the latest. Legal experts note that even in rebellion cases, mitigating circumstances may allow for a reduced sentence, with the death penalty potentially commuted to life imprisonment or a long-term prison sentence, and life imprisonment or life penal servitude possibly reduced to terms of 10 to 50 years.