South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, impeached over his declaration of martial law, has been released from detention. Prosecutors chose not to appeal a court decision that overturned his arrest.
Despite his release, he remains suspended and faces both criminal and impeachment trials.
As he left the detention centre in Uiwang on Saturday, he bowed to cheering supporters waving South Korean and US flags.
“I deeply appreciate the citizens who supported me despite the cold weather, as well as our future generations,” Yoon said in a statement.
Court cancels arrest warrant
The Seoul Central District Court cancelled his arrest warrant on Friday due to legal and technical reasons. The Seoul Detention Centre confirmed receiving a letter from prosecutors ordering his release.
Authorities arrested Yoon in January on charges of leading an insurrection. This is one of the few criminal charges a sitting president cannot avoid through immunity.
Impeachment verdict expected soon
His declaration of martial law on 3 December caused political turmoil. He banned political activity and deployed troops to key government areas. However, he reversed the order within six hours after lawmakers forced their way into parliament and blocked it.
Lawmakers later voted to impeach him. Now, he awaits a ruling from the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to remove or reinstate him.
His impeachment trial is separate from the criminal case.
Now free, Yoon will wait for the court’s decision at home. A ruling is expected in the coming weeks.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung stated that the court’s decision does not clear Yoon of accusations that he “undermined the constitutional order through an unconstitutional military coup.”
