South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has regained momentum after losing ground in January, recent polling data suggests, as growing concerns over the economy, strategic messaging and impeachment proceedings drive changes in public opinion at a sensitive political moment for the country.

But the Seoul Central District Court ruled on Friday that President Yoon Suk-yeol’s arrest was procedurally flawed, potentially leading to his release from custody, and the development could alter public sentiment ahead of the Constitutional Court’s expected impeachment ruling next week.

Though the ruling does not assess the severity of Yoon’s Dec. 3 martial law declaration, it