A pre-trial hearing begins today to get to the bottom of allegations of state-sponsored spying by the intelligence service. <br /> Woo Byung-woo, one of former President Park Geun-hye's closest aides, is accused of ordering the National Intelligence Service to secretly keep tabs on government officials and civilians, including the then-special presidential inspector who was watching Woo over suspicions of corruption. <br />It is highly likely that Woo will not appear at Seoul Central District Court today, as the accused is not obligated to attend the session. <br /> This fresh trial comes just a day after prosecutors had demanded that Woo receive an eight year prison term over allegations of dereliction of duty related to the corruption scandal that led to former-President Park being removed from office.<br />Woo has denied all charges brought against him. <br />
