South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Fights for Release Amid Rebellion Charges

South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, made a case for his release before a Seoul judge on Saturday as the court deliberated on whether to approve a law enforcement request for his formal arrest. Yoon, who has been detained since Wednesday, faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on December 3, which triggered the country’s most severe political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, leading a joint investigation with police and the military, requested the Seoul Western District Court to issue a warrant for Yoon’s formal arrest. During the nearly five-hour closed-door hearing, Yoon’s lawyers argued that his decree was a legitimate exercise of his powers and that the rebellion accusations would not hold up in court.

The judge is expected to make a decision by late Saturday or early Sunday. If Yoon is arrested, investigators can extend his detention for up to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment. If the court rejects the request, Yoon will be released and return to his residence.

Thousands of Yoon’s supporters rallied near the court, waving banners and shouting slogans calling for his release. The political turmoil continues as the Constitutional Court reviews whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.