Protests Heat Up in Seocho-dong Ahead of Lee Jae-myung's Verdict

As the first trial for Lee Jae-myung (이재명), the leader of the Democratic Party, regarding charges of perjury approaches, both pro- and anti-Lee factions are gathering in Seocho-dong. The trial is set to begin at 2 PM today, and the atmosphere is intensifying as the time draws near.

Supporters of Lee, organized by the Democratic Party National Innovation Council (더민주전국혁신회의), held a preliminary rally in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office starting in the morning. The main rally commenced at 1 PM, with police estimating around 400 attendees. The rally trucks displayed black ribbons and signs reading "사법부 근조 (Condolences to the Judiciary)," referencing the recent sentencing of Lee to prison in a separate election law case. Supporters waved blue balloons and chanted slogans such as "Lee Jae-myung is innocent" and "Release the political prosecutors."

Some attendees expressed frustration when they could not see a video of Lee being played on the rally truck due to police restrictions, shouting, "We can't see the video!" One supporter climbed onto the platform and declared, "Let’s stay healthy until the day we overthrow this regime and reclaim power," to which the host responded, "Let’s impeach the political prosecutors and judges under Yoon Seok-yeol!"

Across the street, from noon, the New Liberal Alliance (신자유연대) held a rally demanding Lee's arrest, with police estimating around 1,500 participants. They chanted for Lee's imprisonment, and each time the host announced, "Lee Jae-myung has been arrested!" the crowd cheered and waved their placards.

The crowd also shouted, "Long live Judge Han Seong-jin (한성진)!" and "Long live Judge Kim Dong-hyun (김동현)!" referring to the judges involved in Lee's election law trial and perjury case, respectively.

Meanwhile, Lee's trial for perjury is scheduled to take place at 2 PM at the Seoul Central District Court, where supporters have also gathered in anticipation of his arrival.