[Anchor]

Jeong Yi-han, the former Busan mayoral candidate for the Reform Party, has been arrested on charges of staging a 'beverage terror' incident during the local elections. The court determined that there is a high risk of him destroying evidence.

KNN reporter Ha Young-kwang has the story.

[Reporter]

Jeong Yi-han, the former Reform Party candidate for Busan mayor, stood at a crossroads as he faced an arrest warrant hearing.

Appearing calm at the Busan District Court for the warrant review, Jeong remained tight-lipped when asked if he admitted to the allegations.

[Jeong Yi-han / Former Reform Party Busan Mayoral Candidate: (Do you admit to conspiring to stage the incident?) I am sorry. I will faithfully address the matter in court today and clarify the facts clearly in future investigations.]

Jeong is accused of staging the beverage terror incident in April with a 30-year-old fitness trainer, identified as A, who is known to be an acquaintance.

It was confirmed that A appeared at the court through a different entrance than the police.

It is reported that the police have been investigating communication records between Jeong and A before and after the incident, as well as their coordination in responding to the media, through the analysis of seized items.

This warrant hearing took place about two months after the incident occurred and about a month after police conducted a search and seizure at Jeong's campaign office.

Following the warrant hearing, which lasted throughout the afternoon, both Jeong and A were ultimately arrested.

The court cited a high risk of evidence destruction as the reason for the arrests.

The police investigation into allegations that Jeong obtained a false medical diagnosis for a concussion, as well as suspicions of illegal electioneering by employees of an On Group affiliate, is expected to gain momentum.

With the fairness of an opinion polling firm affiliated with On Group also under investigation, the controversy surrounding Jeong and On Group is expected to escalate for some time.

(Video by Jeon Jae-hyun, KNN | Video Editing by Lee So-min, KNN)

Reported by Ha Young-kwang, KNN