In a dramatic turn of events that adds a new layer to South Korea’s turbulent political landscape, former President Moon Jae-in has been indicted on corruption charges. The Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office announced Thursday that Moon is accused of accepting a bribe of 217 million won (approximately $150,000) through the controversial employment of his son-in-law at low-cost airline Thai Eastar Jet.
According to prosecutors, the appointment of Moon Jae-In son-in-law as a managing director at the airline was a strategic move by politically connected stakeholders within the company to curry favour with the then-president. The indictment alleges that the son-in-law, who lacked relevant experience in the aviation sector, was employed in exchange for political leverage. Investigators claim that the payments and perks received by him between 2018 and 2020 were not legitimate compensation, but bribes meant to influence Moon.
“The son-in-law did not perform his duties competently, was frequently absent, and his financial benefits were disguised incentives to the president,” the prosecutors stated. This allegation directly links Moon to a bribery scheme under the guise of employment benefits, intensifying scrutiny around his legacy.
The scandal marks a significant fall from grace for Moon, who served as South Korea’s president from 2017 to 2022 and was celebrated globally for his diplomatic outreach to North Korea. He notably facilitated the historic meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and former U.S. President Donald Trump, which temporarily thawed decades of military tension.
Moon’s Democratic Party has slammed the indictment as a politically motivated witch hunt, alleging it is part of a broader pattern of prosecutorial overreach aimed at discrediting progressive leaders. Party spokesperson Park Kyung-mee declared, “So the salary paid to the son-in-law was a bribe to the president? Is this the best logic they could come up with after dragging the case out for four long years?”
The political climate in South Korea is already volatile. The country is heading for national elections on June 3, following the dramatic impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is now facing trial for imposing martial law during a brief constitutional crisis. If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty, though executions have not been carried out in South Korea since 1997.
Moon now joins a growing list of South Korean leaders entangled in legal troubles after office. Former presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak were both convicted of corruption and imprisoned. Moon’s former boss, Roh Moo-hyun, committed suicide in 2009 during a corruption probe that also involved his family.
Political analysts suggest that Moon’s indictment, coming just weeks before a critical election, may further polarize an already divided electorate. While supporters see the charges as retribution from conservative forces, critics argue that Moon must be held accountable if the accusations are proven true.
As the legal battle begins, the outcome of Moon’s trial could shape South Korea’s political discourse for years to come, serving as a referendum not only on his presidency but on the country’s enduring struggle with political accountability and judicial independenc