S.C. Code Ann. § 18-7-150: New trial below when defendant did not appear.

If (a) the appellant failed to appear before the magistrate, (b) it is shown by the affidavits served by the appellant, or otherwise, that manifest injustice has been done and (c) the appellant satisfactorily excuses his default, the court may, in its discretion, set aside or suspend judgment and order a new trial before the same or any other magistrate in the same county at such time and place and on such terms as the court may deem proper. When a new trial shall be ordered before a magistrate the parties must appear before him according to the order of the court and the same proceedings must thereupon be had in the action as on the return of a summons personally served.