Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was released from detention on Saturday after a court voided his arrest on procedural grounds.
However, he remains under investigation for his attempted declaration of martial law in December.
Yoon was detained in January on insurrection charges for allegedly trying to subvert civilian rule.
A court voided his arrest warrant, citing procedural issues in his detention.
Prosecutors decided not to appeal, opting instead to focus on the ongoing criminal case.
The Constitutional Court will soon rule on whether to uphold his impeachment, which could formally remove him from office.
If Yoon is removed, South Korea must hold a new presidential election within 60 days.
Yoon thanked his supporters after his release, bowing deeply and stating:
“I bow my head in gratitude to the people of this nation.”
He returned to the presidential residence, greeted by hundreds of cheering supporters.
His legal team hailed his release as a victory for the rule of law.
The Democratic Party condemned the ruling, stating Yoon was acting “like a general who just won a battle” and calling for his swift removal from office.
Yoon’s martial law declaration in December—which lawmakers overturned before impeaching him—has plunged South Korea into political turmoil.
The Constitutional Court will decide soon whether to remove him from office permanently. His criminal trial will continue even if he is impeached.
Social and political tensions between Yoon’s supporters and opponents are intensifying, pressuring the court to act swiftly.
The coming days will determine whether Yoon can return to power or be formally ousted from office.