South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in a Seoul court for his impeachment trial Tuesday, defending his short-lived martial law bid and denying charges that he ordered the military to drag lawmakers away.

The president and his legal team denied allegations that he had sought to target lawmakers during his brief declaration of martial law in December.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is expected to make his first appearance at his impeachment trial on Tuesday, with security ramped up following the Capitol Hill-like rioting during his appearance at another court at the weekend.