Jung Da-hyun is a reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues in Korea, including foreign residents, education, environment and politics. Driven by a deep interest in people’s stories, she focuses on investigative and feature reporting through direct interviews and field coverage. She received the Amnesty International Korea Media Award for her “Deepfake Crisis at Schools” series. Reach her at dahyun08@koreatimes.co.kr. Always open to hearing your stories.
Presidential office, ruling party hail court's decision to release Yoon, opposition seeks appeal
Rep. Kwon Young-se, right, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party, and floor leader Kweon Seong-dong, hold an emergency press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, following a court's decision to revoke President Yoon Suk Yeol’s arrest, Friday. Yonhap
By Jung Da-hyun
The presidential office and the ruling party welcomed a Seoul court's decision on Friday to rescind President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest warrant, while the main opposition called for an immediate appeal by the prosecution, emphasizing that the court's ruling would not impact the Constitutional Court's decision on Yoon's impeachment.
Yoon's supporters flocked to the presidential residence in central Seoul, escalating tensions in the area.
The presidential office expressed support for the Seoul Central District Court’s decision to revoke Yoon's arrest warrant, voicing hopes for his swift return to office.
In a statement, the office described the ruling as an "overdue" correction to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials' (CIO) "unlawful" investigation into Yoon's insurrection charges for his imposition of martial law in December last year, reiterating its stance that the CIO has no authority to probe insurrection charges.
The office convened an emergency meeting of senior officials, led by Chief of Staff Jeong Jin-seok, to discuss the next steps.
Yoon’s legal team also issued a statement, lauding the ruling as a sign that constitutional principles remain strong in Korea. The statement called on prosecutors to release the president promptly, as his release will depend on whether the prosecution decides to appeal.
Supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol rally near his residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
Rep. Kwon Young-se, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), described the court's decision as a pivotal moment for Korea's rule of law and judicial integrity.
"We hope this ruling will help unify the nation and prevent further legal controversies," Kwon said. "Moreover, the Constitutional Court must make fair and just decisions grounded in constitutional principles."
PPP floor leader Kweon Seong-dong also commended the ruling, calling it a rational and reasonable decision despite the delay.
"The authorities of the CIO, including its chief, must be held accountable for their actions," Kweon added.
Following the court's decision, Yoon’s supporters gathered outside his residence in Yongsan District, chanting, "The impeachment is invalid." Police estimates suggested around 600 people attended the rally.
In response, police reinforced security in the area, increasing their presence from eight units with approximately 500 officers to 18 units with around 1,100 officers to control the crowd.
Protests are also expected near the Constitutional Court.
Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, attends an emergency party meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) voiced strong disappointment over the court’s decision, emphasizing that it is unrelated to the ongoing impeachment trial against Yoon.
DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung asserted that the ruling would have no bearing on the Constitutional Court’s impeachment proceedings.
"Regardless of the court’s decision, it does not absolve Yoon of his constitutional violations or erase the fact that he led an unconstitutional military coup that disrupted the constitutional order," he said.
DPK floor leader Park Chan-dae condemned the ruling and urged prosecutors to file an immediate appeal, saying the decision must align with public expectations of justice.
"There is no doubt that Yoon’s declaration of martial law violated both the law and the constitution," Park said. "The party will take all necessary measures to resolve this crisis and bring an end to the treason."