South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was released from a detention center in Seoul on Saturday after prosecutors chose not to appeal a court decision canceling his arrest warrant on insurrection charges. Despite his release, Yoon remains suspended from office as his criminal and impeachment trials continue over his brief declaration of martial law on December 3.
The Seoul Central District Court dismissed Yoon’s arrest warrant on Friday, questioning the legality of the investigation and the timing of his indictment. In response, Yoon expressed gratitude to the court for “correcting the illegality.”
Leaving the facility, Yoon appeared relaxed, dressed in a dark suit without a tie, and greeted cheering supporters waving South Korean and U.S. flags. His lawyers hailed the court’s decision as a step toward restoring the rule of law.
The main opposition Democratic Party condemned the prosecution’s decision, accusing it of pushing the country into crisis. The Constitutional Court is expected to rule soon on whether to reinstate or remove Yoon from office.
On Saturday, an estimated 55,000 Yoon supporters rallied in Seoul’s major districts, while 32,500 people protested against him near the Constitutional Court, according to Yonhap News. Public sentiment leans against Yoon, with a Gallup Korea poll showing 60% favoring his removal and 35% opposing it.
Before the prosecution’s announcement, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. Yoon, the first South Korean president arrested while in office, had been in custody since January 15. His fate now hinges on the Constitutional Court’s decision, which could determine South Korea’s political future.