(LEAD) Security tightened as ex-President Yoon faces 1st verdict on insurrection charges

▲ A justice ministry vehicle carrying jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol enters the Seoul Central District Court in the capital on Feb. 19, 2026, as Yoon is set to receive the first verdict on whether his 2024 imposition of martial law constituted an insurrection following special prosecutors' recommendation of the death penalty. (Yonhap)

▲ This composite photo, taken Feb. 19, 2026, shows critics of former President Yoon Suk Yeol (L) holding a rally for the ousted leader's conviction and a separate rally (R) calling for his acquittal near the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul on Feb. 19, 2026. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) ex-president trial-rallies

(LEAD) Security tightened as ex-President Yoon faces 1st verdict on insurrection charges

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout, photo; RECASTS headline, lead)

By Chae Yun-hwan

SEOUL, Feb. 19 (Yonhap) -- Police bolstered security near a Seoul court Thursday as supporters of former ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered as they await the first verdict on his insurrection trial over his failed 2024 attempt to impose martial law.

A convoy of vehicles carrying Yoon arrived at the Seoul Central District Court as of around 12:50 p.m., before the court is set to hand down its ruling for the trial at 3 p.m.

Special prosecutors recommended the death penalty for Yoon on charges of leading an insurrection through his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024.

More than 100 supporters of the former president gathered near the court in the morning, shouting slogans, such as "Yoon again" and "free President Yoon," as they waved South Korean and American flags.

Some 80 supporters of the ousted former president also held an overnight rally in the area, calling for his acquittal.

Far-right groups, including Freedom Union, have registered to stage a rally of around 4,300 people in support of Yoon near the court complex from 9 a.m. until the hearing concludes.

Meanwhile, tensions heightened around the complex as civic groups critical of Yoon also gathered for rallies calling for the former president's conviction.

Yoon's supporters and critics exchanged barbs, but no physical clashes took place due to police presence.

Left-leaning YouTubers hung banners around the area that read, "The insurrection has not ended even after a year."

Candlelight Action, a progressive group, plans to stage a rally of some 5,000 people to call for Yoon's conviction around Seocho Station, near the court complex, at 2 p.m.

Police and the court have bolstered security efforts to prevent possible violence following a riot by Yoon's supporters at the Seoul Western District Court in January last year when it issued a warrant to extend his detention.

Police have mobilized some 1,000 personnel for security operations and have lined up police buses around the court complex to form barriers and restrict access.

The court has closed off all entrances to the complex, except the east gate, since last Friday. Only preregistered vehicles and members of the press are allowed to enter the premises.

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