By SEOUL, South Korea — Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was released from prison on Saturday, deepening political divisions in the key U.S. ally as he faces insurrection charges over his failed attempt to declare martial law.
South Korea, one of the most vibrant democracies in Asia, has been in political turmoil since Dec. 3 when Yoon, citing “anti-state forces,” declared martial law before rescinding the order six hours later after lawmakers voted to reject it.
Yoon’s conservative supporters have latched on to his arguments as well as his unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, strongly echoing the dynamic between President Donald Trump and supporters who say he has been wrongly persecuted by a corrupt judicial system. South Koreans have even adopted symbols and slogans associated with Trump, waving “Stop the Steal” signs at rallies.
Television footage showed Yoon, 64, waving, clenching his fist and bowing to supporters waving South Korean and American flags as he walked out of the detention center in Seoul, before a convoy of black police vehicles returned him to his presidential residence.
“I would like to express my gratitude for the courage and determination of the Seoul Central District Court judges in rectifying this injustice,” he said in a statement as he was released.
“I deeply thank the many citizens who have supported me despite the cold weather, as well as our future generations who have stood by us,” he said.
Yoon added that he was “heartbroken” by the death of a supporter who had set themselves on fire in protest.
