Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol walked free from the Seoul Detention Center on Saturday after prosecutors opted not to appeal a court ruling canceling his controversial detention. The decision marks a dramatic twist in a high-stakes legal saga that has gripped the Republic of Korea (ROK) for months.
Television broadcasts showed Yoon waving to cheering supporters in Uiwang before returning to his official residence, where he thanked backers for their 'sacrifices in cold weather.' The Seoul Central District Court had approved his release on February 4, citing procedural irregularities in his initial arrest. His defense team hailed the decision as a 'victory for rule of law.'
The embattled leader's troubles began with his December 3 declaration of emergency martial law, swiftly overturned by the opposition-controlled National Assembly. A subsequent impeachment motion passed on December 14 now awaits final judgment from the Constitutional Court, with a verdict expected next week.
Over 55,000 demonstrators rallied across Seoul this weekend – some celebrating his release, others demanding accountability. Meanwhile, prosecutors faced internal discord when their investigative unit's attempt to challenge the court ruling was overruled by the prosecutor general.
The legal drama has exposed deep political divides in Asia's fourth-largest economy, occurring against the backdrop of presidential powers being challenged through unprecedented constitutional mechanisms. Analysts suggest this case could redefine executive accountability standards in the ROK.
