Prosecutors again request arrest warrant for shaman with alleged ties to Yoon

Jeon Seong-bae, center, a shaman, enters the Seoul Southern District Court, Dec. 19, 2024. Yonhap

The prosecution said Tuesday it has again requested an arrest warrant for a shaman reportedly close to President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife on charges of receiving illegal political funds about seven years ago.

The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors Office said the request was filed Monday with the Seoul Southern District Court, which previously denied a similar arrest warrant for shaman Jeon Seong-bae, also known as Geon Jin.

Jeon was accused of receiving 100 million won (about $69,000) from a politician who ran for office in the 2018 local elections, but the court refused to approve his arrest warrant on Dec. 19, citing a lack of evidence.

Jeon is believed to have been involved in Yoon's presidential campaign before his election in March 2022 and has been accused of flaunting his personal ties to the first family.

Prosecutors said they again questioned Jeon late last month and reinforced evidence against him.

His arrest warrant hearing is scheduled to be held at the same court Thursday. (Yonhap)