South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol walked free from a detention center on Saturday after prosecutors opted not to challenge a court ruling that revoked his arrest warrant on insurrection charges.

Despite his release, the 64-year-old leader remains suspended from his presidential duties as both his criminal and impeachment trials proceed. His legal troubles stem from the brief enforcement of martial law on December 3.

On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court overturned Yoon’s arrest warrant, citing concerns over the legality of the investigation and the timing of his indictment.

"I appreciate the Central District Court for its courage and resolve in addressing the legal irregularities," Yoon said in a statement.

Emerging from the facility, Yoon appeared at ease, dressed in a dark suit without a tie. Stepping out of his car, he greeted a cheering crowd waving South Korean and U.S. flags with a fist pump and a bow.

His legal team welcomed the ruling, stating it underscored the procedural and substantive flaws in his detention. "This marks the beginning of restoring the rule of law," they asserted.

Prosecutors have yet to issue an official response to the court’s decision. Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party criticized the move, accusing prosecutors of "plunging the nation into crisis" and urging the Constitutional Court to expedite Yoon’s removal from office.

As Yoon's impeachment trial unfolds, the Constitutional Court is expected to rule in the coming days on whether he will be reinstated or permanently ousted.

Public sentiment remains largely against Yoon. A Gallup Korea poll released Friday showed that 60% of respondents favor his removal, while 35% oppose it.

The court's ruling triggered large-scale demonstrations across Seoul. Approximately 55,000 Yoon supporters gathered in the city’s main districts, while 32,500 opponents protested near the Constitutional Court, according to Yonhap News Agency, citing unofficial police estimates.

Prior to the prosecutors' announcement, hundreds of Yoon’s supporters had also demonstrated outside the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office, demanding his release.

"I was heartbroken that he wasn't freed sooner. Waiting was difficult, but in the end, it was worth it," said Lee Heoung-ok, a 62-year-old supporter present at the detention center.

Conversely, 27-year-old Shim Ye-rin found the situation baffling. "Watching him walk out and greet his supporters felt surreal. It seemed like something that shouldn't happen in a democratic society—completely beyond common sense," she remarked.

Yoon made history as the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested while in office. He had been held at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, about 22 kilometers (14 miles) south of Seoul, since January 15.