Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was released from detention on Saturday after a court voided his arrest on procedural grounds. However, he remains under investigation for declaring martial law in an attempt to subvert civilian rule. His release has sparked both celebration and controversy in the country.
Yoon Suk Yeol’s Arrest and Release
Yoon was detained in January following a dawn raid on his residence. After attempting to impose martial law on December 3, he was charged with insurrection, a move seen as an attempt to override civilian authority. His arrest led to political turmoil, with supporters and critics clashing over the legitimacy of his actions.
On Friday, a South Korean court ruled that his arrest warrant was invalid due to procedural errors, leading to his immediate release. The decision was met with strong reactions from both the prosecution and the opposition. Prosecutors called the ruling “unjust,” while Yoon’s legal team hailed it as a victory for the rule of law.
Yoon Suk Yeol Walks Free Amid Cheers and Criticism
Upon his release, Yoon bowed deeply before a small crowd of cheering supporters outside the detention center. In a statement through his lawyers, he expressed gratitude to the people of South Korea, thanking them for their continued support.
However, his release was not without controversy. The Democratic Party criticized his behavior, accusing him of acting like a victorious general rather than someone facing serious charges.
“The only way forward now is Yoon’s swift removal from office,” a party spokesperson said, referencing the upcoming Constitutional Court ruling on his impeachment.
Constitutional Court to Decide Yoon’s Political Fate
Although Yoon is free from detention, his political future remains uncertain. The Constitutional Court is set to rule on whether to uphold his impeachment and permanently remove him from office. The ruling is expected within days and could trigger a fresh presidential election within 60 days if Yoon is officially removed.
Experts believe his release will not impact the court’s decision but may intensify public divisions.
“Because Yoon’s release is related to procedural aspects of his detention, it will have no bearing on the Constitutional Court’s deliberation on his impeachment,” said political analyst Yoo Jung-hoon. “However, with increasing social confusion and strife, the court may act swiftly to resolve the crisis.”
Yoon’s Legal Battle and Martial Law Controversy
The central issue in Yoon’s impeachment case is whether his declaration of martial law violated the South Korean constitution. Martial law is typically reserved for national emergencies or wartime conditions, and critics argue that Yoon misused his powers without proper justification.
Yoon’s defense team claims he acted to prevent a “legislative dictatorship” by the opposition, arguing that his decision was in the best interest of national stability. However, lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected his decree, voting it down within hours before moving to impeach him.
Opposition Calls for Swift Removal
Following Yoon’s release, the opposition reiterated calls for his swift removal, warning that his return to the presidential residence could escalate political tensions.
“The president’s release signifies the restoration of the rule of law,” Yoon’s legal team stated.
However, the opposition strongly disagreed, stating that his return to the presidential compound is an insult to South Korea’s democratic institutions.
“The Constitutional Court must act swiftly to ensure stability and prevent further unrest,” a Democratic Party representative said.
What Happens If Yoon Is Removed?
If the Constitutional Court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, South Korea will be required to hold a fresh presidential election within 60 days. This could set the stage for a heated political battle between parties vying to restore public trust in the government.
Even if removed from office, Yoon will still face criminal proceedings for insurrection, which could result in a lengthy trial and potential prison sentence.
