Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday attended his insurrection trial using the court's open entrance for the first time. This marked a significant change in the procedure, as his previous court arrivals were conducted through an underground parking facility, away from public view.

According to Yonhap News Agency, court authorities denied the Presidential Security Service's request for Yoon to use the underground route for the third hearing. Yoon arrived at the Seoul Central District Court in a black van, maintaining a stoic demeanor and choosing not to respond to reporters' inquiries.

The former president is facing serious charges, including leading an insurrection through his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law in December. In addition to these charges, he was indicted earlier this month for abuse of power. The trial's proceedings on Monday included testimony from two military officers summoned as witnesses.

Yoon's legal challenges are substantial, with the insurrection charge carrying a potential maximum penalty of life imprisonment or even the death penalty.