"We appreciate the fact that the merits of this case can now be determined without the need for detention," Samsung Group said in an emailed statement.

Seoul Central District Court earlier rejected the special prosecution's request for a warrant to arrest Lee, who had been held overnight, for suspected bribery, embezzlement and perjury amid a corruption scandal that led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Nick Macfie)