Crowds rally as South Korea's Yoon released ahead of insurrection trial

Thousands of supporters gathered in Seoul as South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol was released from detention on Saturday, deepening the country’s political divide ahead of his insurrection trial.

Yoon, 64, was freed after nearly two months in custody, during which he faced charges over his failed attempt to declare martial law in December. His release has ignited a fresh wave of public demonstrations, with conservative supporters celebrating his return while critics condemned the court’s decision.

Celebrations and protests as Yoon walks free

Television footage showed Yoon emerging from the Seoul detention center, raising his fist and bowing to a crowd waving South Korean and American flags. Supporters cheered as he made his way back to the presidential residence in a convoy of black police vehicles.

Photo: A supporter of South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol cheers after the court decided to release him/Reuters

Many of Yoon’s backers, echoing slogans and tactics used by former US President Donald Trump’s supporters, held signs reading "Stop the Steal" and accused opposition lawmakers of wrongful persecution.

“I feel exulted,” said Kang Min Woo, a 30-year-old demonstrator. “This is just the beginning of dealing with anti-state forces.”

Kang, like other Yoon supporters, hopes the Constitutional Court will overturn the president’s impeachment later this month.

However, not all South Koreans welcomed Yoon’s release. Critics gathered near city hall, denouncing the decision and calling it a failure of the legal system.

“He declared martial law, paralyzed the government, and now claims his detention was a mistake,” said Park Hyun-min, a university student. “It’s cowardly.”

Yoon thanks supporters, calls release a ‘rectification of injustice’

In his first statement after being freed, Yoon thanked the Seoul Central District Court judges for what he called "rectifying injustice."

"I deeply thank the many citizens who have supported me despite the cold weather," Yoon said. "A new journey begins now."

Yoon also addressed the death of a supporter who set themselves on fire in protest against his detention, calling it "heartbreaking."

His lawyers, meanwhile, argued that the ruling confirmed the legal flaws in Yoon’s detention.

Ongoing legal battle

Despite his release, Yoon remains suspended from office and faces a trial for insurrection, as well as a separate ruling on his impeachment by lawmakers. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which led the case against him, criticized his release and called for continued legal proceedings.

Pgoto: Supporters of South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol gather after the court cancelled his arrest warrant/Reuters

The main opposition Democratic Party condemned Yoon’s return, with spokesperson Cho Seung-rae calling it "an act of surrender" by the courts.

"This is the shameless attitude of a man who remains an indicted suspect for leading an insurrection," Cho said.

The Constitutional Court is expected to rule on Yoon’s impeachment later this month. Until then, South Korea remains deeply polarized, with his supporters and opponents preparing for further demonstrations as the legal battle unfolds.