South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Released from Detention Amid Impeachment Proceedings

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached by lawmakers over his declaration of martial law, has been released from detention after prosecutors decided not to appeal a court ruling canceling his arrest.

Despite his release, Yoon remains suspended from his duties and continues to face both criminal and impeachment trials.

On Saturday, he was seen bowing to a crowd of cheering supporters, many waving South Korean and U.S. flags, as he walked out of the detention center in Uiwang.

“I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the many citizens who have supported me despite the cold weather, as well as to our future generations,” Yoon said in a statement after his release.

Court Overturns Arrest Warrant on Legal Grounds

His release came after the Seoul Central District Court canceled his arrest warrant on Friday, citing technical and legal reasons. Earlier on Saturday, the Seoul Detention Center confirmed to CNN that they had received an official letter from prosecutors ordering Yoon’s release.

Yoon had been detained since January after being arrested on charges of leading an insurrection—one of the few criminal offenses that a sitting president is not immune from.

Martial Law Decree and Political Fallout

The crisis began on December 3, when Yoon declared martial law, banned political activity, and deployed troops to the capital—a move that sent shockwaves through South Korea’s democracy. However, within six hours, he reversed the order after lawmakers stormed parliament and unanimously voted to block it.

In response, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon, and he is now waiting for the Constitutional Court’s decision on whether he will be permanently removed from office or reinstated.

Awaiting Impeachment Verdict from Home

Yoon’s impeachment trial is separate from the criminal charges he faces.

His release from detention means he will now be able to await the court’s ruling from home, with a final decision expected in the coming weeks.

Opposition Condemns Yoon Despite Release

Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea’s main opposition party, emphasized that the court ruling does not absolve Yoon of his actions.

“This does not change the fact that he destroyed the constitutional order through an unconstitutional military coup,” Lee stated on Friday.

Teen with Loaded Shotgun Storms Australian Plane, Tackled by Pilot and Passengers

A 17-year-old boy carrying a loaded shotgun managed to board a plane at an Australian airport before being subdued by the pilot and two passengers, authorities said Friday.

The teenager was disarmed and detained until police arrived at Avalon Airport in Victoria state on Thursday.

Passenger Takes Down Armed Teen

Barry Clark, one of the passengers who tackled the suspect, said the teen had disguised himself as a maintenance worker but became agitated when a flight attendant questioned him at the aircraft’s entrance.

"I looked up and, within a second, saw the barrel of a shotgun. I thought, 'That’s not a tool that should be on a plane,’” Clark told Network 10 television.

"When I saw the full gun, I knew we were in trouble," he added.

Clark recounted that the suspect pointed the gun toward the flight attendant’s chest, prompting him to act quickly.

"I had to do something—this all happened within seconds," he said.

A Swift Takedown by Former Boxer

Clark, a former professional boxer and sheep shearer, described how he approached the suspect from behind before pushing both the gun and the flight attendant in opposite directions to ensure she was out of harm’s way.

"I then did what I had to do—twisting his hand behind his back, throwing him to the floor, and pinning him down with my knee," Clark explained.

"I kept him in a hold where he couldn’t break free."

Breach in Airport Security

According to Victoria Police Superintendent Michael Reid, the teenager from Ballarat had breached airport security by climbing through a hole in the perimeter fence before making his way to the plane’s boarding stairs.

Authorities are now investigating how the security lapse occurred and why the suspect was able to access the aircraft armed.

South Korean Fighter Jets Accidentally Bomb Civilian Homes During Military Drill, Injuring Dozens

South Korean fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on residential areas during a live-fire drill with U.S. forces, injuring more than two dozen people on Thursday, according to Seoul’s military.

At approximately 10:07 a.m. local time, two KF-16 fighter jets accidentally released eight MK-82 general-purpose bombs outside their designated firing range, striking civilian infrastructure in Pocheon, a city northeast of Seoul, the South Korean Air Force confirmed.

Pilot Error Blamed for Bombing Mishap

According to South Korea’s defense ministry, initial findings suggest the incident resulted from incorrect bombing coordinates being entered by a pilot.

Local media released images showing thick smoke rising from the blast site in a rural area, illustrating the extent of the destruction.

Casualties and Damage

Authorities reported that at least 29 people were injured, including 14 soldiers and 15 civilians. Among the civilians, two were seriously wounded.

The explosions destroyed two residential buildings, part of a church, and a truck.

“The scene of the incident is chaotic, resembling a battlefield,” Pocheon Mayor Baek Young-hyun stated in a televised address.

Military Response and Investigation

The aircraft were participating in joint live-fire exercises with the South Korean Army and U.S. military, as part of the annual "Freedom Shield" military drills.

Following the incident, the South Korean military suspended all live-fire training until an investigation is completed. An accident response team has been established, and the air force has pledged compensation for damages.

In an official statement, the South Korean Air Force apologized for the "abnormal bomb release" and extended well wishes for the injured, expressing regret for the civilian harm caused.

While pilot error remains the primary cause, an air force official told CNN that a possible aircraft malfunction has not been ruled out.

U.S. Military Denies Involvement

A spokesperson for the United States Forces Korea (USFK) clarified that no U.S. Air Force aircraft participated in the exercise. While live-fire training has been suspended, other planned military drills will proceed as scheduled. The USFK is coordinating with South Korean authorities on the investigation.