South Korea’s impeached President Yoon to be released from jail, after court cancels arrest warrant by StuffsEarth

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. File.
| Photo Credit: AP

A South Korean court has ordered impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to be relased from jail, according to news reports on Friday (March 7, 2025).

The Yonhap News Agency reported that the Seoul Central District Court made the ruling Friday. Other South Korean media carried similar reports.

Also read | Timeline of South Korea’s martial law declaration; quick overturn by President Yoon Suk Yeol

The court didn’t immediately confirm the reports.

“South Korea’s rule of law is still alive,” Mr. Yoon’s legal counsel said, according to broadcaster YTN.

Mr. Yoon is expected to be released immediately and take part in his trial while out of detention, local media said.

Mr. Yoon’s lawyers had argued the warrant issued on January 19 that has kept him in detention was invalid because the request filed by prosecutors was procedurally flawed.

He declared martial law on December 3 saying it was needed to root out “anti-state” elements but lifted the decree six hours later after Parliament voted to reject it. He has said he never intended to fully impose emergency military rule.

Weeks later he was impeached by the opposition-led parliament on accusations he had violated his constitutional duty by declaring martial law.

Mr. Yoon faces a separate criminal trial and became the first sitting President to be arrested on criminal charges on January 15.