"South Korea's Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Freed Amid Ongoing Legal Turmoil"

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, impeached and detained previously, was released from detention on Saturday after a Seoul court canceled his imprisonment, enabling him to remain free while facing trial for rebellion charges. President Yoon was initially arrested and indicted in January relating to his controversial martial law decree announced on December 3. This act triggered considerable political instability nationwide and was overturned immediately by the National Assembly, which also voted to impeach Yoon, leading to his suspension.

Upon release, President Yoon was seen greeting his supporters, who enthusiastically waved both South Korean and U.S. flags, with fists clenched and bows, before leaving in a vehicle headed to his private home in Seoul. He publicly expressed appreciation for what he described as the courage and correct judgment of the Seoul Central District Court, positioning their decision as rectifying what he claims was an unlawful arrest and detention. Yoon further extended gratitude to supporters, notably requesting those participating in hunger strikes to protest his impeachment to cease their demonstrations.

At present, the Constitutional Court is deliberating on whether Yoon's dismissal should be confirmed or if he should resume his presidential duties. An official removal by the court would trigger an immediate presidential election within two months.

The decision to release Yoon was justified by the Seoul Central District Court, citing the importance of resolving legal questions regarding the procedures and legitimacy of the investigation against him. Defense attorneys for President Yoon previously argued that the agency responsible for his preliminary detention over rebellion accusations lacked adequate legal authority.

Additionally, the court indicated that the permitted duration of detention expired prior to the official indictment, further strengthening their rationale for cancellation. Crucially, prosecutors chose not to challenge the Friday ruling granting Yoon's freedom, a notable decision since South Korean law allows the prosecution to maintain custody of a suspect while pursuing an appeal.

Reacting to the court outcome, the main opposition Democratic Party—which spearheaded Yoon's impeachment last December—strongly criticized prosecutors for declining to appeal. They accused prosecutors of being biased toward Yoon, given his past role as prosecutor general. Democratic Party spokesperson Cho Seung-rae urged the Constitutional Court to expedite Yoon's dismissal to mitigate further public unrest.