In Seoul, South Korea, the Seoul Central District Court has ordered the release of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from jail, allowing him to participate in his criminal trial without physical detention. Yoon was arrested and indicted following his imposition of martial law, which led to his impeachment. The court is now deliberating on whether to uphold his impeachment or reinstate him.

Yoon’s arrest was deemed invalid as the formal arrest period had expired before his indictment, and the investigative agency lacked the authority to probe the criminal rebellion charges against him. The charges stem from Yoon’s martial law decree, which authorities allege constituted an act of rebellion carrying severe penalties such as the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The martial law decree, swiftly overturned by lawmakers after a six-hour period, stirred memories of past military rule in South Korea. Yoon defended his actions as a necessary response to challenges from the liberal opposition party, which he claimed thwarted his governance and led to the impeachment of key officials.

Should Yoon’s impeachment be upheld by the Constitutional Court, he will be ousted from office, triggering a national election to select his successor within two months. The unfolding legal and political drama surrounding Yoon’s presidency underscores the delicate balance of power and the enduring impact of historical political turmoil in South Korea.