Public opinion has been increasingly divided over the impeachment process, with more and more people turning up at rallies to support or denounce the president.

In closing the hearing, acting Chief Justice Lee Jung-mi renewed her call for restraint from both Park's lawyers and the National Assembly impeachment panel to ensure a fair trial.

"I once again express my concern over the various attempts to damage confidence in the impeachment trial," she said. "This trial proceeds in line with procedures stipulated by the Constitution and the law, without being swayed by either side."

Without mentioning the pro-Park protesters rallying outside the court, she also said the "loud voices and noise" were disrupting the proceedings, and called for restraint.

Park was impeached for allegedly letting her friend Choi Soon-sil meddle in state affairs and colluding with her to extort money from conglomerates. (Yonhap)