Seoul: A court hearing was held Tuesday to determine whether former President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest should be extended in connection with charges related to his attempted imposition of martial law.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Central District Court convened to assess if Yoon should remain in custody on charges of aiding the enemy and abusing power, allegedly involving the deployment of drones to North Korea in October of last year. Yoon has been detained since July for obstructing justice by preventing investigators from detaining him in January. His release is currently scheduled for January 18, when his six-month arrest period expires.

Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team sought an extension of Yoon's arrest last month while additionally indicting him over the drone deployment. The special counsel argued that the operation was designed to provoke retaliation from North Korea and justify a subsequent declaration of martial law in December of last year.

The court hearing was conducted behind closed doors. Should the extension be approved, Yoon could face up to an additional six months in jail. A verdict on the obstruction of justice charge is expected on January 16.

In addition to the current proceedings, Yoon is also undergoing a separate trial for allegedly leading an insurrection through the attempted imposition of martial law.