Choi Soon-sil, the longtime confidante of President Park will begin a trial today.

The hearing at the Seoul Central District Court will review the charges against Choi, who prosecutors say manipulated state affairs and extorted businesses. It will also set the trial schedule.

It is still unclear if Choi will attend this session, as she is not required to.

The trial is open to the public, and the court last week raffled admission tickets due to worries of a crush of spectators.

Choi's last public appearance was on October 31st, telling reporters at the Seoul prosecutors' office that she had "committed a sin that deserves death."