South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was released from detention on Saturday following a court decision that canceled his arrest warrant on insurrection charges.
The Seoul Central District Court ruled that the timing of his indictment and "questions about the legality" of the investigation process rendered the warrant invalid.
Yoon, 64, who has been in custody since January 15—the first South Korean president to be detained while in office—remains suspended from his duties as both his criminal and impeachment trials continue. The case stems from his brief imposition of martial law on December 3, an action that has sparked widespread legal and political controversy.
In a brief statement, Yoon expressed his gratitude to the court: "I would like to thank the Central District Court for their courage and determination in correcting the illegality." As he left the detention centre, a relaxed and smiling Yoon, dressed in a dark suit without a necktie and sporting streaks of grey, emerged from his car to cheers from supporters waving South Korean and U.S. flags.
His legal team hailed the decision as a confirmation that his detainment was flawed on both procedural and substantive levels, describing the ruling as "the beginning of a journey to restore rule of law." Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party criticized the decision, accusing prosecutors of "throwing the country and people into crisis" and urging the Constitutional Court to remove Yoon from office as soon as possible. The court is expected to soon decide on his fate in the impeachment trial.
Public sentiment in South Korea remains sharply divided. While approximately 55,000 supporters rallied in Seoul’s central districts, about 32,500 demonstrators gathered near the Constitutional Court to protest against him. A recent Gallup Korea poll found that 60% of respondents believe Yoon should be removed from office, compared to 35% who oppose his removal.
As President Yoon’s legal battles persist, the nation watches closely for further developments that will determine his political future and the broader implications for South Korea’s governance.
The two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference wrapped up in Rome on Friday, but the vision of rebuilding the war-torn country remains largely theoretical am...
A preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has revealed that both engines of the Air India Flight AI-171 s...
Norway could soon receive a major boost to its airborne defence, as Washington signals readiness to expand military cooperation through a new high-val...
A British man accused of running a $100 million fake wine loan scam pleaded not guilty in New York, denying claims that he sold investors a vintage co...
The U.S. is set to support Lebanon’s military readiness with a $100 million deal to sustain A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, enhancing the Lebanese Armed...
Top military officials from South Korea, the United States, and Japan held talks in Seoul and urged North Korea to stop activities that destabilise the region, as the three allies conducted a joint air exercise on South Korea’s southern Jeju island.
South Korea, Japan, and the United States carried out a joint air exercise on Friday over international waters, involving a U.S. B-52 strategic bomber and fighter jets from Seoul and Tokyo, South Korea’s defence ministry announced.
As pressure mounts over military spending and shifting defence priorities, top U.S. and South Korean generals have met in Seoul to reaffirm their alliance and address growing tensions surrounding cost-sharing and regional security.
US President Donald Trump has declared a 25% tariff on imports from Japan and South Korea starting August 1, urging both nations to shift production to the US and warning of further tariff hikes if retaliatory measures are taken.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
Dozens of international and domestic flights were cancelled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, but Bali’s main airport remains operational.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was successfully held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, highlighting the region’s revival and the deepening economic cooperation among member states.
French member of parliament Olivier Marleix was found dead at his home on Monday, with suicide being considered a possible cause.
The two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference wrapped up in Rome on Friday, but the vision of rebuilding the war-torn country remains largely theoretical amid the absence of a ceasefire.
A preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has revealed that both engines of the Air India Flight AI-171 shut down mid-air within seconds of takeoff, leading to the deadly crash on June 12.
Norway could soon receive a major boost to its airborne defence, as Washington signals readiness to expand military cooperation through a new high-value arms deal.
A British man accused of running a $100 million fake wine loan scam pleaded not guilty in New York, denying claims that he sold investors a vintage collection that didn’t exist. The high-stakes fraud allegedly duped victims with promises of rare bottles and big returns.
The U.S. is set to support Lebanon’s military readiness with a $100 million deal to sustain A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, enhancing the Lebanese Armed Forces’ ability to uphold the recent ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment