South Korea’s President Yoon released as trials continue after arrest warrant quashed

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.

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