By The South Asia Times 

SEOUL – South Korean Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol walked free from the Seoul Detention Center on Saturday, marking a dramatic turn in the unfolding political and legal saga surrounding his presidency.

His release comes just a day after a South Korean court ruled that he could face both impeachment and criminal trials without being held in custody, a decision that has stirred both political controversy and public debate.

Wearing a solemn expression but waving to a crowd of supporters gathered outside the detention facility in Uiwang, just south of Seoul, Yoon exited the prison gates after spending 52 days behind bars, according to Yonhap News Agency.

He had been detained on charges of inciting an insurrection, following allegations that he attempted to impose martial law in December amid a political crisis.

Yoon’s release was made possible after Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung opted not to appeal the court’s ruling, a move that effectively cleared the way for the suspended president to prepare for his upcoming legal battles outside of prison walls. Within half an hour of his release, Yoon arrived at his official residence in central Seoul, where he issued a brief statement.

"I appreciate the court's courage and determination in correcting the illegality," Yoon said, reinforcing his longstanding argument that his detention was unjust. His supporters have maintained that the charges against him were politically motivated, while critics argue that his alleged actions posed a direct threat to the country’s democratic institutions.

The embattled leader’s legal troubles began in December when imposed short-lived martial law in an effort to maintain his grip on power. However, the parliament foiled his attempt.

The accusations led to his impeachment and subsequent arrest, marking one of the most turbulent moments in South Korea’s political history. His case has drawn comparisons to past presidential scandals in the country, including the impeachment and removal of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017 over corruption charges.

With his release, Yoon is now expected to stand trial without physical detention, allowing him greater access to legal counsel and the ability to engage in political maneuvering. His legal team has signaled that they will aggressively fight the charges, while opposition parties and civic groups continue to call for full accountability over his alleged abuses of power.

The coming months will determine whether Yoon can mount a successful defense or if his presidency will be permanently tarnished by the accusations against him. As South Korea braces for the next phase of the legal battle, the implications of Yoon’s case extend beyond his own political fate, potentially shaping the country’s democratic trajectory for years to come.