SEOUL, Jan 12, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol will not attend the first hearing in his impeachment trial next week because of safety concerns, his lawyer said Sunday.

"Concerns about safety and potential incidents have arisen. Therefore, the President will not be able to attend the trial on January 14. The President is willing to appear at any time once safety issues are resolved," Yoon Kab-keun said in a statement sent to AFP.