In a significant legal development, South Korean prosecutors have filed bribery charges against ex-President Moon Jae-in, alleging misconduct during his tenure from 2017 to 2022. The accusations stem from claims that Moon’s son-in-law was given a high-paying, obligation-free position at Thai Eastar Jet, a budget airline, with connections to the company’s founder, Lee Sang-jik. The indictment places Moon among several former South Korean leaders who have faced legal battles following their presidencies.
The legal team claims that Lee Sang-jik offered Moon financial incentives totaling 217 million won ($151,705) through salary, housing, and other financial support to his then son-in-law over two years starting in 2018. Reports indicate that Moon’s daughter and her husband separated in 2021, adding complexity to the allegations.
Details shared by the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office specify that Lee also faces charges of bribery and a breach of trust. He allegedly employed Moon’s former son-in-law in a director-level position despite his lack of qualifications in the aviation industry. The prosecutors explained that the son-in-law spent minimal time in Thailand with Eastar Jet and performed only minor tasks, primarily working remotely from South Korea.
While there is no concrete evidence linking Moon to direct political favors for Lee, the prosecutors argue that Lee, having participated in Moon’s political campaign, might have expected favorable treatment in return. During Moon’s presidency, Lee was appointed the head of the Korea SME and Startups Agency, a government-funded entity, and was later nominated to run for parliament, although his ascent was marred by scandal and alleged political bias. A former aide to Moon was previously indicted concerning Lee’s agency appointment but did not cooperate with the investigation.
As South Korea prepares for a new presidential election on June 3, marking a potentially dramatic political shift, Moon’s indictment adds further intrigue. The election approaches amid the backdrop of current conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol’s exit after a contentious martial law decree in December. Yoon now faces criminal charges related to his actions.
Though it’s uncertain how the indictment against Moon may affect the upcoming election, liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is predicted to have a strong chance of winning, despite his own legal hurdles relating to allegations of corruption.
In the immediate aftermath of the indictment, Moon himself has yet to respond. However, his political supporters from the Democratic Party have voiced sharp criticism, describing the charges as a strategic move by Yoon’s backers to undermine Moon’s legacy and distract from Yoon’s controversial presidency. Democratic Party figures, including lawmaker Youn Kun-young, accused the prosecution of attempting to sway the election by focusing on Moon’s trial. The party has warned of holding prosecutors accountable for what they believe is a misjudgment.
Historically, many of South Korea’s presidents have faced scandal either during or after their leadership, a pattern that continues with Moon’s case. Former President Park Geun-hye, before Moon, was ousted and incarcerated due to a corruption scandal in 2017. Similarly, Moon’s friend and former President Roh Moo-hyun tragically took his own life amid corruption investigations targeting his family in 2009.
Moon’s time as president was notably marked by high-profile efforts to mend relations with North Korea. He engaged in three summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and helped initiate nuclear diplomacy between North Korea and the United States under President Donald Trump. Supporters applaud Moon for fostering communication and peace-building efforts with North Korea, while critics argue he was too lenient, allowing the North to continue its nuclear developments without significant compromise.