South Korean prosecutors have formally indicted former President Moon Jae-in on bribery charges, accusing him of involvement in a corruption scandal tied to his son-in-law’s employment at Eastar Jet.
The case marks another high-profile political scandal in a country where former leaders frequently face legal troubles after leaving office.
Details of the Bribery Allegations Against Moon Jae-in
According to prosecutors, Moon’s son-in-law, Seo, was hired as an executive director at Thai Eastar Jet—a subsidiary of the budget airline—despite having no prior experience in aviation.
Investigators claim this was part of a quid pro quo deal, where Eastar Jet’s CEO, Lee Sang-jik, secured a leadership role at the state-funded Korea SMEs and Startups Agency in exchange for Seo’s employment.
Between 2018 and 2020, Seo reportedly received 217 million won ($150,000) in salary and housing benefits, which prosecutors argue were disguised bribes meant for Moon Jae-in. A Reuters report cited investigators stating that Seo “frequently neglected his duties” and lacked the qualifications for the role.
Moon Jae-in’s Political Legacy and South Korea’s History of Presidential Scandals
Moon, who served as South Korea’s president from 2017 to 2022, was known for his peace talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, his post-presidency has been overshadowed by legal troubles, continuing a trend where South Korean ex-presidents face indictments, imprisonment, or worse.
Why It Matters
His indictment follows other high-profile cases, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol, recently ousted over a martial law controversy, now facing criminal charges and Lee Sang-jik, ex-lawmaker and Eastar Jet founder, indicted for bribery and breach of trust (previously sentenced for embezzlement in 2022).
Last September, authorities raided the home of Moon Da-hye, the former president’s daughter, as part of the bribery probe. The investigation has since expanded, with Moon’s former national security advisor and defense minister indicted for leaking classified intelligence to activists.
Critics, including Moon’s Democratic Party, accuse the prosecution of being politically motivated, citing South Korea’s history of retaliatory investigations when power shifts. The current acting president, Han Duck-soo (of the People Power Party), oversees a government that has aggressively pursued cases against Moon’s administration.
If convicted, Moon could join the list of disgraced South Korean leaders, though his supporters dismiss the case as a “witch hunt.”
