The trial for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on new charges related to the December 3 martial law case will begin next month.

The Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Han Sung-jin, has scheduled the first preparatory hearing for 10 a.m. on July 17.

Defendants are not required to attend preparatory hearings, in which pleas are entered and the court sets a plan for the examination of evidence, but they must appear in court once a trial begins.

Kim was indicted earlier this month on charges of obstructing the performance of official duties and ordering the destruction of evidence.

Among other things, he is accused of handing a secure phone to a civilian while deceiving the Presidential Security Service.

Kim remains behind bars after the court issued a second detention warrant Wednesday, citing concerns about the potential for destruction of evidence.