Former prosecutor Kim Sang-min has been placed in pretrial detention for allegedly bribing former first lady Kim Keon Hee while seeking a parliamentary nomination.

The Seoul Central District Court ordered Kim Sang-min's detention early Thursday, citing the former prosecutor's potential to destroy evidence. The court deliberated the case in a hearing that lasted for three hours on Wednesday.

Kim Sang-min is accused of giving a Lee Ufan painting worth more than 100 million won, or approximately 72-thousand U.S. dollars, to the former first lady in return for her backing of his bid to win the People Power Party’s nomination for a parliamentary seat in the 2024 general election.

Kim Sang-min has claimed that he purchased the painting on behalf of the first lady’s brother, Kim Jin-woo, and delivered it to him.

He is also accused of having a business associate cover campaign vehicle costs while preparing to run in 2024.