Yoon becomes first sitting S. Korean president to stand criminal trial, as hearing begins

Also earlier today that is Thursday morning President Yoon Suk Yeol become the first sitting Korean leader to stand trial in a criminal case for his brief imposition of martial law on the evening of December third last year.

Our Bae Eun-ji reports.

The first preliminary hearing of President Yoon's criminal trial on Thursday morning lasted only around 13 minutes.

In a suit and a red tie, Yoon was present at the Seoul Central District Court.

He was not required to attend,.. as a defendant does not have to be present at a preliminary hearing.

So eyes were on whether if he would speak for himself, but he remained silent throughout.

Yoon's lawyers said they need more time, asking for three more weeks to review records.

The court said the next hearing is on March 24th and said it would proceed with the trial afterward.

Meanwhile, a separate hearing was also held to review Yoon's request to have his detention canceled.

Earlier this month, Yoon's legal team asked for the court to release the president, having been at the Seoul Detention Center since his arrest.

His lawyers argued that Yoon was indicted a day after the detention period expired on January 25th, while the prosecutors said the whole process was done in a legal manner.

The court on Thursday said both sides have 10 days to submit any additional documents and said it would make a decision after a thorough review.

"Thursday's session marks the start of a criminal trial that could lead to life in prison or even the death penalty for Yoon, if found guilty of insurrection.

Yoon has now become the first sitting president in South Korean history to undergo a criminal trial.

Bae Eun-ji, Arirang News."