Immediately after the verdict was announced, the Presidential Office welcomed the decision and expressed hope that Mr. Yoon would return to the country soon. Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin Suk convened an emergency meeting with senior aides to discuss the situation.

The interim leader of the ruling People's Power Party, Kwon Young-se, hailed it as "a momentous moment that reaffirms the rule of law and justice in South Korea." He also called on the Constitutional Court to make a fair judgment when considering Mr Yoon's impeachment.

The decision has caused mixed reactions in South Korea's political circles, with supporters hailing it as a victory for the rule of law, while opponents have strongly opposed it and called for the prosecution to appeal immediately. Mr. Yoon's legal team argued that an appeal may not be possible because the Constitutional Court has ruled that an immediate appeal in the case of suspension of an arrest warrant is unconstitutional.

Mr Yoon was arrested on January 15 on charges of inciting rebellion following a failed attempt to impose martial law last December. However, the court found that his detention was procedurally flawed as the indictment was issued after his initial detention period had expired.

In addition, the investigation by the Office of Corruption Investigation for Senior Officials has also been questioned over its legality, as the agency does not have the authority to investigate sedition charges.

Yoon Suk Yeol, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested on criminal charges, has maintained that his December 3 declaration of martial law was necessary to deal with "anti-state" forces.

He quickly lifted martial law after six hours, when parliament rejected his proposal. Weeks later, the opposition-controlled parliament impeached Mr Yoon, accusing him of violating his constitutional duties.

The Constitutional Court is expected to rule on the impeachment case soon, giving a final say on whether Mr Yoon can remain in power.

Ngoc Anh (according to Yonhap, Reuters)