Seoul: The insurrection trial of jailed former President Yoon Suk Yeol was held without his attendance for the fourth consecutive time. The Seoul Central District Court resumed its sessions following a two-week summer break, marking the first trial hearing since July 24. However, Yoon was not present.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the former president is facing charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through his temporary imposition of martial law in December. Yoon has been absent from the hearings since July 10, after being incarcerated for a second time over the martial law plan. He has cited his worsening health as the reason for his non-attendance.

His legal team has reported that Yoon's condition has deteriorated further since last Thursday. This followed an incident where investigators from special counsel Min Joong-ki's team attempted to forcibly remove him from his detention center. The removal was linked to questioning over allegations of election meddling involving Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee.

The court has previously indicated that it may consider using force to bring Yoon to the trial if his absences continue. Alternatively, the court might proceed with the trial in his absence. The charge of insurrection could result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or even the death penalty.