SEOUL: Ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was released from custody on Saturday after a court dismissed his arrest on procedural grounds, though he remains under investigation for his role in declaring martial law.
Yoon, who was detained in a surprise early morning raid in January on charges of insurrection related to his December 3 attempt to undermine civilian governance, left the detention center with a smile. He then bowed deeply to a small group of enthusiastic supporters gathered outside.
“I am deeply grateful to the citizens of this nation,” Yoon said in a statement issued by his legal team.
The court’s decision to nullify his arrest warrant, made a day earlier, was based on technical and legal issues. Prosecutors investigating Yoon criticized the ruling, calling it “unjust” in a public statement.
Yoon’s release came after prosecutors chose not to appeal the court’s decision, which focused on procedural errors related to his detention on criminal charges.
In addition to the criminal case, Yoon faces a separate ruling from the Constitutional Court regarding his impeachment. The court is expected to decide soon whether to uphold the impeachment and officially remove him from office.
Prosecutors stated that, in light of the pending Constitutional Court decision, they have been directed to present their case vigorously in the trial court rather than appealing Yoon’s release.
If Yoon is formally removed from office, South Korea will be required to hold a new presidential election within 60 days. The criminal proceedings against him will proceed regardless of his impeachment status.
Yoon’s legal team, which had previously challenged the legality of his detention by arguing that prosecutors delayed his indictment, celebrated his release. They stated, “The president’s freedom marks the reinstatement of the rule of law.”
