Seoul: South Korean detained President Yoon Suk Yeol denied Tuesday that he ordered the military to drag lawmakers out of parliament during a short-lived plan to impose martial law, as reported by Seoul-based Yonhap News. Yoon made his first appearance at his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court under tight security, having skipped the initial two hearings.

According to Anadolu Agency, hundreds of pro-Yoon protesters gathered outside the court to show their support for the impeached president, demanding the court invalidate his impeachment and order his release. The court questioned Yoon on whether he instructed military commanders to "drag out" lawmakers from parliament on December 3, when he declared martial law to prevent them from overturning his order. Yoon firmly denied the allegations, stating, "No."

Military commanders had previously alleged that Yoon had issued such an order. The National Assembly impeached Yoon on December 14, and he remains suspended from his duties. A separate investigation is ongoing into charges that he led an insurrection and abused his power through the declaration of martial law.

The Constitutional Court has a 180-day window to either uphold or dismiss the impeachment vote against Yoon. If the impeachment is dismissed, Yoon will be reinstated. However, if it is upheld, South Korea will be required to conduct a snap presidential election within 60 days.