Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea's president, attends a hearing for his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea. Photographer: Lee Young-ho/Sipa/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Seoul, South Korea (EPICSTORIAN) – Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been released from detention after prosecutors declined to challenge a court ruling voiding his arrest.
Yoon’s political future remains uncertain as he awaits impeachment and criminal trial verdicts that could determine whether he returns to office or is permanently removed.
The impeached president, who was arrested in January on insurrection charges, walked out of a detention center in Uiwang on Saturday, met by a crowd of supporters waving South Korean and U.S. flags. Bowing to the gathered crowd, he addressed his backers with gratitude.
“I deeply appreciate the citizens who stood by me despite the harsh winter,” Yoon said. “I am especially grateful to our future generations.”
His release came after the Seoul Central District Court overturned his arrest warrant on Friday, citing legal and procedural flaws. The Seoul Detention Center confirmed receiving an official directive from prosecutors to facilitate his release.
South Korea Yoon’s Martial Law Decree Sparks Political Crisis
Yoon’s legal troubles stem from his December 3 decree, which imposed martial law, restricted political activity, and deployed military forces in Seoul.
The move triggered widespread condemnation, with lawmakers forcing their way into parliament and voting unanimously to overturn the declaration within six hours.
His actions led to his impeachment by the National Assembly, making him the first South Korean leader to face such a measure over a self-imposed military order.
The country’s Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether he should be reinstated or permanently removed from office. A ruling is expected in the coming weeks.
Opposition Leaders Condemn Yoon’s Return
While Yoon’s release allows him to await trial from home, his political future remains deeply contested. His opponents argue that the court ruling does not absolve him of wrongdoing.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition party, condemned Yoon’s actions, stating, “This ruling does not erase the fact that Yoon attempted an unconstitutional military coup, violating the nation’s constitutional order.”
Legal Battles Still Loom
Although Yoon is out of detention, his legal troubles are far from over. His criminal charges, including allegations of insurrection, remain separate from his impeachment case. Unlike most offenses, insurrection is among the few crimes that South Korean presidents are not immune from while in office.
What Happens Next?
Yoon now awaits the Constitutional Court’s verdict, which will determine if he resumes his presidency or is permanently removed. A conviction in his criminal trial could end his political career and possibly lead to a lengthy prison sentence.
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His case has deepened divisions in South Korea’s already polarized political landscape, with supporters viewing his impeachment as politically motivated while opponents argue that his actions posed a serious threat to democracy.
