The trial of yet another disgraced former South Korean president starts today.
Preparatory trial proceedings kick off Thursday for Lee Myung-bak over allegations he took bribes from the state-run intelligence agency and local conglomerates.
He's also suspected of embezzling money from an auto parts company he's believed to have secretly controlled.
Lee's attendance is not mandatory,... and given the former leader's refusal to cooperate with the prosecution's request for questioning,... it's *unlikely he'll show up for the preparatory proceedings.
Lee, who was arrested in March,... is the country's fourth former leader to face a criminal trial for corruption.
His successor, Park Geun-hye, was sentenced to 24 years in prison last month after being found guilty on separate corruption charges.