The trial at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul began at 10:15 a.m., with charges including abuse of power and obstruction of official duties related to the Dec. 3 declaration of martial law.
Noticeably thinner and frail with gray hair, Yoon appeared in court wearing a navy suit without a tie.
During the trial, Yoon's legal representative reportedly denied all the allegations, reiterating what Yoon has been claiming. They said, "Yoon declared martial law to cope with an emergency situation and later lifted it, shortly after the National Assembly voted to end it."
Media were permitted to film for about a minute before the trial began, making it the first time a lower court criminal trial, not just a verdict, was televised.
Another hearing for his bail is also being held later in the day, following his request. Many suspect that Yoon's decision to appear for Friday's hearing was mainly due to that, criticizing him for selectively attending hearings that serve his own interests.
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