Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was absent from the second hearing of his latest trial on martial law-related charges. Yoon had attended the trial's first hearing on September 26, as required by law, marking his first public appearance since his arrest in July.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the trial at the Seoul Central District Court is Yoon's second in connection with his failed attempt to impose martial law in December. Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team has indicted him on charges of violating the rights of Cabinet members, revising the martial law proclamation, and obstructing his detention by investigators in January.

The bench noted that Yoon's refusal to appear lacked legitimate grounds, as the reason cited by his defense was solely related to health, failing to indicate that bringing him in by force was impossible or significantly difficult. The trial could proceed in the defendant's absence only if specific legal conditions were met, which were not in this case. Thus, while Friday's session was not counted as a hearing, it continued as scheduled to question members of the Presidential Security Service.

The special counsel team requested the bench take "firm measures," including issuing a warrant to compel Yoon's attendance. The hearing was not broadcast, unlike the first session, due to national security considerations, as it was not requested by the special counsel team.

Yoon is simultaneously facing another trial at the same court, concerning charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through the martial law attempt. He has not attended proceedings for this first trial since his arrest in July, citing health issues, and his request for bail last month was denied by the bench.