Yoon, who is in custody at Seoul Detention Center, arrived at the court later than usual, where he is expected to give his final statement. Lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties both attended the hearing.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol gave a closing statement at his impeachment trial on Tuesday, apologizing to citizens for his short-lived declaration of martial law but defending the move.

SEOUL, Feb. 28 (Yonhap) -- An annual global freedom index for South Korea dropped two points this year from the previous year over impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law in December, a report from a U.S.-based freedom watchdog showed Friday.