South Korean Court Grants Release to Impeached President Amidst Ongoing Legal Proceedings
In a significant legal development in South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and subsequently arrested over the brief imposition of martial law, has been ordered to be released from jail. This decision follows more than a month of detention and comes ahead of the court’s impending judgment on whether to confirm his impeachment or restore him to office.
On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court ruled that Yoon could await his criminal trial without being physically detained. This decision stems from the fact that his formal arrest period expired before he was officially indicted at the end of January. The court further highlighted that the agency responsible for Yoon’s detention lacked the legal authority to investigate the rebellion charges against him.
The allegations against Yoon are serious, with investigators labeling the martial law decree as a rebellion. If found guilty, he could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death sentence. The martial law, which lasted a mere six hours, involved deploying troops to the National Assembly. This action stirred unsettling memories of past military regimes for many citizens. Despite Yoon’s claims that the decree aimed to expose the main liberal opposition Democratic Party’s threats, the National Assembly quickly nullified it through a unanimous vote.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Constitutional Court’s decision on Yoon’s impeachment will be pivotal. If the impeachment is upheld, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, triggering a national election within two months to select his successor.
A TV screen shows footage of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s address at the final hearing of his trial during a news program at a bus terminal in Seoul, South Korea on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. Ahn Young-joon/AP
For more context on Yoon’s martial law imposition, visit here. Additionally, further information on related military exercises can be found here. To read about the charges against Yoon, click here.
