A Seoul court has issued a warrant to detain a shaman at the center of bribery and influence-peddling allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon-hee.

The Seoul Central District Court on Thursday granted the warrant for Jeon Seong-bae, a shaman also known as Geon Jin, citing concerns that he might destroy evidence. 

The court held a hearing Thursday morning to review the warrant request from special counsel Min Joong-ki’s team, and Jeon informed the team of his intention not to appear at the hearing, meaning he waived his right to personally explain his position in court. 

Min’s team filed for the warrant on Tuesday, accusing Jeon of bribery offenses and breaches of political funding laws. 

Jeon is accused of receiving luxury gifts from the Unification Church in 2022 to deliver to Kim along with lobbying requests involving business projects, media acquisitions and the church’s global initiatives.