Parts of former first lady Kim Keon-hee’s trial have been approved for broadcast.

The Seoul Central District Court announced on Wednesday that it would permit the broadcast of court proceedings the same day until the examination of documentary evidence begins.

The court explained that though broadcasting the trial would serve the public's constitutional right to know, it could also infringe on the defendant's honor and presumption of innocence.

It said it had also considered that the defendant's right to defense is not fully guaranteed during the documentary evidence phase of a trial.

With the partial approval, Kim will be visible on the defendant’s bench for the first time since her initial hearing on September 24. 

At that hearing, the court had allowed video recording of the courtroom before the trial formally began.