South Korea’s impeached president has been released from prison, a day after his arrest was cancelled.
A Seoul court cancelled the arrest so that he could stand trial for rebellion without being detained.
As he left the detention centre, Yoon bowed deeply to his supporters, waving and clenching his fists.
The crowd shouted his name and waved South Korean and US flags.
Yoon said he “appreciates the courage and decision by the Seoul Central District Court to correct illegality”, in a statement distributed by his lawyers, an apparent reference to legal disputes over his arrest.
While thanking his supporters, he also asked those who are on hunger strike against his impeachment to end the action.
Yoon faces rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on 3 December.
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The move set off the country’s most serious political crisis since its democratisation in the late 1980s.
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The crisis began when, in an attempt to break through legislative gridlock, he imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices.
The standoff lasted only hours after politicians who managed to get through a blockade voted to lift the measure.
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The opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on 14 December.
The Constitutional Court has been deliberating whether to formally dismiss or reinstate Yoon.
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If the court upholds his impeachment, a national election will be held within two months.
