South Korea's constitutional court has held a brief first hearing on Park Geun-hye's impeachment, which the beleaguered President failed to attend. The session was closed after nine minutes and postponed to Thursday because of Ms Park's absence. Lawmakers voted to impeach Ms Park last month over a corruption scandal. Her close confidante Choi Soon-sil has been charged with abuse of power. <br/><br/>Ms Park is alleged to have been involved as well, which she denies. Her impeachment case is being heard in a court by nine judges. They have 180 days to decide whether Ms Park, who has been suspended from duties, should go or stay.<br/><br/>Though the court has requested her presence, Ms Park's lawyer has said she will not attend unless there are special circumstances. If Ms Park fails to appear for a second time on Thursday, the hearing can proceed without her.