Overview

• A Seoul court ruled to release suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol from detention, citing procedural errors in his arrest warrant extension.
• Yoon, accused of declaring martial law in December to override a parliamentary impasse, faces charges of power abuse and inciting unrest.
• The Constitutional Court is expected to decide next week whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment, which could trigger new elections within 60 days if confirmed.
• The brief imposition of martial law, which Yoon justified by alleging unproven communist infiltration in the opposition, sparked widespread protests and political turmoil.
• Yoon's release has energized his supporters, while critics call for accountability, warning of long-term damage to South Korea’s democratic institutions and global reputation.