Former President Yoon Suk Yeol failed to appear for his insurrection trial for the 16th consecutive time.

The Seoul Central District Court said Friday that Yoon had again not shown up to his insurrection and power abuse trial the same day, and that he must bear any disadvantages brought on by his absence from the proceedings.

Yoon's lawyer said the former president is undergoing medical treatment for diabetic retinopathy and cannot read fonts sized 16 or smaller.

The lawyer said Yoon would need to continuously miss meals if he were to attend the trial, which would stress his retinas and put his eyesight at risk.

Yoon's side said the former president would try his best to appear when important witnesses were questioned.