South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faced impeachment, was released from prison on Saturday. This occurred after a Seoul court ruled his arrest was unjust, allowing him to prepare for his trial concerning rebellion without being detained.
As Yoon exited the detention center near Seoul, he raised his fists in victory and bowed to the crowd of supporters waving South Korean and American flags. Following this moment, he entered a black van to return to his presidential home.
In a statement released through his legal team, Yoon expressed gratitude to the court for recognizing legal missteps surrounding his case. He also thanked his supporters and urged those on hunger strikes against his impeachment to stop.
Yoon’s legal troubles began in January, when he was arrested due to a controversial martial law decree he issued on December 3, which created significant political turmoil in the nation. Subsequently, the liberal-controlled National Assembly took the step of impeaching Yoon, suspending him from his duties.
The Constitutional Court is currently deliberating whether to dismiss or reinstate Yoon. Should they uphold his impeachment, a national election will follow to find his successor in under two months.
The court’s decision to release Yoon came as prosecutors chose not to contest it, despite the legal provisions that allow them to hold a suspect during an appeal process, even after a court annulled the arrest.
The Democratic Party, leading Yoon’s impeachment efforts, criticized the prosecutors’ move, calling them complicit with Yoon, a former chief prosecutor. They urged the Constitutional Court to expedite dismissal proceedings to prevent further public unrest.
Yoon’s martial law announcement, which involved sending troops and police to the National Assembly, faced harsh scrutiny, with critics labeling it an attempt to stifle dissent. Yoon defended his actions by stating he aimed to maintain order and highlight the dangers posed by the Democratic Party.
After the decree’s announcement, lawmakers managed to reconvene and unanimously voted it down. The full extent of Yoon’s potential legal consequences remains serious; he faces severe penalties if convicted of rebellion, which could include life imprisonment or death. Despite having immunity as president, this does not protect him from charges like treason or rebellion.
Yoon has maintained that his intention was never to hold martial law indefinitely but rather to alert the public about the threats posed by his political adversaries. The political landscape remains deeply polarized, with demonstrations for and against Yoon’s impeachment filling the streets of Seoul. Experts warn that regardless of the Constitutional Court’s decision, this division within South Korea’s political sphere is likely to intensify.
