South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol has been released from detention after prosecutors decided not to appeal a court ruling that canceled his arrest. Despite his release, Yoon remains suspended from his duties and continues to face both criminal and impeachment trials.
As he walked out of the detention center in Uiwang on Saturday, Yoon was met with cheering supporters waving Korean and US flags. In a statement, he expressed his deep gratitude to the citizens who supported him despite the cold weather, as well as to future generations.
The Seoul Central District Court’s decision to cancel his arrest warrant on Friday was based on technical and legal grounds. The Seoul Detention Center confirmed that they had received an official letter from the Seoul prosecutors’ office ordering his release.
Yoon’s arrest stemmed from a decree issued on December 3, which declared martial law, banned political activity, and deployed troops to central Seoul. However, he reversed the decision within six hours after lawmakers forced their way into parliament and voted unanimously to block it.
Following these events, lawmakers voted to impeach him, and the Constitutional Court is now set to decide whether he will be permanently removed from office or reinstated. His impeachment trial remains separate from the criminal charges he faces, which include leading an insurrection.
With his release, Yoon will now await the impeachment verdict, expected in the coming weeks, from home rather than from detention. The outcome of the trial will determine the future of his presidency and the political landscape of South Korea.