Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was absent from his insurrection trial for the eighth consecutive session on Monday, prompting the court to proceed without him. Yoon has been avoiding appearances at the Seoul Central District Court since his second arrest on July 10 on charges related to his attempt to impose martial law, citing health issues.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the bench announced that the proceedings would continue in Yoon's absence, noting that the Seoul Detention Center, where Yoon is currently held, reported it was impossible to bring him in by force. Yoon is facing trial on charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through his failed martial law bid in December. The charge of insurrection carries a maximum sentence of life in prison or death.

During Monday's hearing, the court was set to hear witness testimony from an official at the Defense Counterintelligence Command, which played a role in the martial law operations. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, a trial can proceed without the defendant if they refuse to attend without legitimate grounds and it is deemed impossible or significantly difficult for a prison officer to bring them in by force.