Seoul, March 8, 2025: Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been released from prison after a court canceled his arrest warrant, sparking both celebrations and protests across the country.
Local TV channels aired footage of Yoon leaving prison on Saturday, where he was seen waving and bowing deeply to his supporters. His legal team hailed the court’s ruling as a victory for justice, stating that it confirmed procedural and substantive flaws in his detention. “This marks the beginning of a journey to restore the rule of law,” his lawyers said.
Yoon was arrested in January on insurrection charges after briefly imposing martial law in December. His legal team challenged the arrest warrant last month, arguing that it was illegal. On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court accepted the request, citing concerns over the legality of the investigation process.
Prosecutors, who accused Yoon of rebellion, stated that if convicted, he could face either life imprisonment or the death penalty. The Emergency Martial Law Special Investigation Headquarters confirmed his release, issuing an order for his freedom on Saturday.
Yoon’s release has deepened political divisions in South Korea. On Saturday, an estimated 55,000 supporters rallied in his favor, while 32,500 demonstrators gathered near the Constitutional Court to protest against him, according to Yonhap news agency.
A recent Gallup Korea poll revealed that 60% of respondents favor Yoon’s removal from office. The main opposition Democratic Party condemned the court’s decision, accusing prosecutors of “throwing the country into crisis” and urging the Constitutional Court to remove Yoon from office swiftly.
Legal analysts suggest that while the court ruling is not a complete exoneration, it has raised doubts about the integrity of the indictment. If concerns over the investigation’s legality persist, they could impact future court proceedings and potentially lead to overturning a conviction.
Arguments in Yoon’s separate impeachment trial concluded last week, with the Constitutional Court expected to rule soon on whether to permanently remove or reinstate him.
If Yoon is removed from office, South Korea will be required to hold a new presidential election within 60 days.
The nation now watches closely as the political and legal drama unfolds, with Yoon’s fate—and South Korea’s leadership—hanging in the balance.
