Impeachment trial unaffected by court’s order to release Yoon: opposition

The responses from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea and the ruling People Power Party showed sharp contrast after the Seoul Central District Court approved a request by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s legal team to cancel his detention on Friday.

The Democratic Party argued that the ruling should be kept separate from the impeachment trial and would remain unaffected, while urging the prosecution to appeal the court’s decision immediately.

"The prosecution’s miscalculation doesn’t erase the fact that Yoon undermined the constitutional order," Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party and the frontrunner for the next presidential election, told reporters after an emergency meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, following the Seoul Central District Court’s announcement.

Rep. Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, further stated, "The prosecution must immediately appeal to ensure a decision that aligns with public common sense," expressing regret over the court’s decision.

The court’s decision comes amid growing speculation that the Constitutional Court will deliver its ruling next week on Yoon’s impeachment case in the wake of his botched martial law declaration on Dec. 3.

The court explained that the indictment of President Yoon came after his detention period ended, clarifying that the duration should be computed in real hours, not calendar days, as prosecutors had argued.

Rep. Han Min-soo, spokesperson of the Democratic Party, reiterated, "This court ruling has no connection to the Constitutional Court’s impeachment trial of President Yoon and will not affect the trial’s outcome."

Rep. Park Kyoon-taek of the Democratic Party further explained that the decision was "merely a ruling that considers a procedural issue regarding how detention periods are calculated under criminal procedure law" and is therefore "unrelated to the grounds for impeachment."

As of Friday afternoon, the Democratic Party has placed its lawmakers on standby at the National Assembly until the prosecution announces its stance regarding the court's ruling.

The People Power Party welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a victory for the rule of law while expressing hope that the Constitutional Court would take a similar stance in its upcoming ruling on Yoon’s impeachment.

"This is an important moment that reaffirms the rule of law and judicial justice in South Korea," PPP interim leader Rep. Kwon Young-se said at a press conference at the National Assembly following the court’s announcement on Friday afternoon. "We welcome the court’s wise decision, made in accordance with legal principles and conscience."

Kwon added, "I also expect the Constitutional Court to uphold the values of the Constitution and deliver a fair and just ruling."

PPP floor leader Rep. Kweon Seong-dong called the ruling "a belated but reasonable decision," arguing that "the court has effectively ruled against the CIO’s illegal and unjust execution of the arrest and detention warrants."

"We also expect the court’s position to be fully reflected in the upcoming impeachment ruling,” Kweon added.

Leading People Power Party figures seen as potential presidential contenders also voiced support for the ruling.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, "All evidence has already been secured, eliminating concerns over evidence tampering, and there is no risk of flight. It is only natural and appropriate that the trial proceed without detention."

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo went further, insisting that "the impeachment must also be dismissed," in a Facebook post.

Han Dong-hoon, former PPP party leader, said, "Yoon must have been mentally and physically exhausted throughout the trial in detention. I hope Yoon takes care of his health and is able to fully exercise his right to defense."