South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol walked free from a Seoul detention center on Saturday after prosecutors chose not to challenge a court ruling that overturned his arrest warrant on insurrection charges.
Despite his release, Yoon remains suspended from office as he faces both criminal and impeachment trials over his brief imposition of martial law on December 3.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled on Friday to cancel Yoon’s arrest warrant, citing concerns over the legality of the investigation and the timing of his indictment.
“First of all, I would like to thank the Central District Court for their courage and determination in correcting the illegality,” Yoon said in a statement following his release.
His legal team described the ruling as a significant step toward restoring the rule of law, arguing that his detention had been flawed both procedurally and substantively.
The prosecution has not issued an official response to the decision.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is set to rule in the coming days on whether Yoon will be reinstated or permanently removed from office.
Yoon, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested, had been in custody since January 15.
His release has sparked mixed reactions across the country. According to Yonhap news agency, approximately 38,000 supporters rallied in Seoul to celebrate his freedom, while 1,500 protesters gathered in opposition.
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