A South Korean court has annulled President Yoon Suk Yeol’s detention warrant, potentially clearing the path for his release. He has been in custody since mid-January due to accusations of orchestrating an insurrection tied to his failed endeavor in December to implement martial law. The Seoul Central District Court granted Yoon’s request to nullify his custody, though he remains under serious criminal charges that carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty. The police and supporters of Yoon were observed gathering near the presidential residence in anticipation of his possible return. Despite the court’s ruling, Yoon won’t be freed immediately. His attorney, Seok Dong-hyun, stated that Yoon will stay detained until prosecutors decide whether to appeal the decision within a seven-day period. The justice ministry confirmed they are awaiting the prosecution’s decision regarding releasing Yoon. The court’s decision comes after determining that prosecutors had indicted Yoon after his legal detention period had expired and identifying procedural irregularities in the investigation process. The ruling Democratic party expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, urging prosecutors to appeal against it, emphasizing that Yoon’s severe violations of the law and constitution were unchanged. Yoon was arrested after declaring martial law on December 3 and deploying troops to the national assembly, alleging the need to confront “anti-state forces” and investigate purported election fraud. This action is among the few crimes for which South Korean sitting presidents do not have immunity. The constitutional court is expected to decide soon on the validity of Yoon’s impeachment by the national assembly, which, if upheld, would permanently remove him from office and lead to a new election within 60 days.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/07/president-yoon-suk-yeol-detention-cancelled-insurrection-case