South Korean prosecutors have formally indicted former President Moon Jae-in on corruption charges linked to the controversial employment of his son-in-law at a budget airline.
In a statement released by the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office on Thursday, Moon was said to have been “indicted for corruption for receiving 217 million won (USD 150,000) in connection with facilitating the employment of his son-in-law at an airline.”
This development further intensifies the political turbulence in the country, which is approaching general elections set for June 3.
It also follows the dramatic removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was stripped of office after briefly imposing martial law.
Moon, who held office from 2017 to 2022, was noted for his engagement policies with North Korea and played a crucial role in arranging historic talks between Kim Jong Un and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to prosecutors, Moon’s son-in-law secured a top position—Managing Director—at low-cost carrier Thai Eastar Jet “despite lacking any relevant experience or qualifications in the airline industry.”
They also noted that the son-in-law “frequently left his post for extended periods… and did not perform his duties in a manner befitting the position.”
The airline, which was reportedly under the control of a former lawmaker from Moon’s party, is believed to have appointed him in hopes of securing favor from the president.
Prosecutors alleged that all financial benefits and salaries paid to the son-in-law between 2018 and 2020 “were confirmed as not legitimate salary payments, but bribes intended for the president.”
The son-in-law has since divorced Moon’s daughter.
With this indictment, Moon joins the ranks of former President Yoon, who is currently facing trial for declaring martial law in December—a move that lasted around six hours before being overturned by lawmakers.
Yoon could face a life sentence or even the death penalty if convicted, although executions have not taken place in South Korea since 1997 due to an informal moratorium.
The indictment adds to South Korea’s troubled legacy of presidential scandals.
Former leaders Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye were previously convicted on corruption charges and served prison sentences.
Moon’s political mentor, former President Roh Moo-hyun, took his own life in 2009 while under a corruption investigation.
Reacting to the indictment, Moon’s party strongly criticized the prosecution, calling the move an act of political persecution.
Park Kyung-mee, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, issued a statement declaring that the prosecution’s actions were “an abuse of unchecked prosecutorial power.”
She further challenged the rationale behind the charges, saying, “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?”.
