South Korea's Justice Minister Criticizes Court's Decision to Release Yoon

Synopsis

On March 12, South Korea's acting Justice Minister Kim Seok-woo criticized the court's decision to release impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from jail, calling it unjust. Yoon's release allowed him to stand trial without detention amidst ongoing investigations into his actions.

Key Takeaways

Acting Justice Minister Kim Seok-woo deemed the court's ruling unjust.
Yoon was released from jail to face trial without detention.
The court cited concerns over the investigations into Yoon's charges.
Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung chose not to appeal the decision.
Yoon's potential impeachment could lead to a snap election.

Seoul, March 12 (NationPress) South Korea's acting Justice Minister Kim Seok-woo on Wednesday described the court's decision to release impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from custody as unjust.

Yoon, who faced detention starting in January on accusations of inciting insurrection due to a failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, was released from jail last Saturday. The court permitted the suspended President to undergo trial without being held in detention, citing concerns regarding the investigations into the charges against him.

“I believe the court's ruling needs to be overturned as it was unjust,” Kim stated to lawmakers.

Yoon's release occurred after Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung opted not to contest the Seoul Central District Court's ruling that allowed Yoon to withdraw his arrest request, noting that his indictment was issued mere hours after the detention period had elapsed.

“The prosecution did not appeal the ruling immediately because doing so would likely involve unconstitutional aspects,” the acting Minister remarked.

The court seemed to have determined that Yoon must be released prior to his indictment, Kim indicated, pledging to contest this matter during Yoon's primary criminal trial, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Nonetheless, Kim asserted that appealing the court's ruling at that moment would have been “undoubtedly” unconstitutional, referencing past decisions by the Constitutional Court on similar matters.

“In light of previous rulings, the prosecution's decision regarding an extension of detention cannot take precedence over that of the judiciary,” Kim stated.

Earlier, South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik called on acting President Choi Sang-mok to expedite the appointment of a ninth justice to the Constitutional Court, as the court is anticipated to soon render a decision concerning impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding his unsuccessful martial law attempt.

If Yoon, who was elected in May 2022 for a single five-year term, is officially ousted from office, a snap election must be conducted within 60 days. Conversely, should the impeachment be dismissed, Yoon will resume his duties immediately.