South Korea's Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol Released from Detention

Photo credit: PBS

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been released from detention following a court decision to cancel his arrest warrant. Yoon, who was impeached by lawmakers for declaring martial law in December, walked out of the Uiwang detention center on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

The Seoul Central District Court invalidated Yoon's arrest warrant on Friday, citing procedural and legal grounds. Prosecutors decided not to appeal this decision, leading to Yoon's release. However, it's important to note that Yoon still faces ongoing criminal and impeachment trials.

Upon his release, Yoon was greeted by cheering supporters waving South Korean and U.S. flags. He expressed gratitude to his supporters and the court, stating, "I bow my head in gratitude to the people of this nation".

AFP photo

Key points about Yoon's situation:

1. Yoon was initially arrested in January on charges of leading an insurrection, stemming from his December 3 declaration of martial law.

   
   

2. The martial law decree, which banned political activity and deployed troops, was reversed within six hours after lawmakers unanimously voted to block it.

   
   

3. Yoon remains suspended from his presidential duties while awaiting the Constitutional Court's decision on his impeachment.

   
   

4. His release allows him to await the impeachment verdict from home rather than in detention.

   
   

The opposition party, led by Lee Jae-myung, maintains that the court ruling does not exonerate Yoon from allegations of attempting an unconstitutional military coup.

As South Korea grapples with this political turmoil, the nation awaits the Constitutional Court's final decision on Yoon's impeachment, which is expected in the coming weeks