On April 24, 2025, former South Korean President Moon Jae-in was indicted on bribery charges, marking another chapter in the country’s controversial political saga. This indictment unfolds amidst a pattern of legal scrutiny faced by numerous former leaders, aggravating an already polarized political environment.
South Korea's Political Turmoil Deepens: Moon Jae-in Indicted on Bribery Charges
South Korea's Political Turmoil Deepens: Moon Jae-in Indicted on Bribery Charges
In a country grappling with its political landscape, former President Moon Jae-in faces serious allegations that add to the ongoing trend of prosecuting former leaders.
Moon, whose presidency ended in 2022, is accused of facilitating the employment of his former son-in-law at a now-defunct airline in Thailand. Prosecutors claim that this job arrangement was backed by unjust incentives, with the son-in-law receiving a total of 217 million won (approximately $150,000) in salary and allowances while working there from 2018 to 2020. The former son-in-law, linked to Moon’s daughter, Da-hye, went on to divorce her after the employment period.
The prosecution alleges that Lee Sang-jik, a businessman and former lawmaker who governed the airline, offered this position as a favor to Moon's family, despite the son-in-law reportedly lacking the requisite qualifications. Initially, Lee was a government official under Moon's administration, and he was affiliated with Moon's Democratic Party until his election seat was lost due to a conviction for embezzlement and violations of election law.
Reports indicate that Moon is accused of using his presidential staff to facilitate his son-in-law's relocation and employment, raising serious ethical questions and contributing to a growing narrative of corruption in South Korea's leadership. This legal action against Moon Jae-in underscores a profound examination of political accountability in a nation where the boundary between governance and personal interest has become increasingly blurred.
The prosecution alleges that Lee Sang-jik, a businessman and former lawmaker who governed the airline, offered this position as a favor to Moon's family, despite the son-in-law reportedly lacking the requisite qualifications. Initially, Lee was a government official under Moon's administration, and he was affiliated with Moon's Democratic Party until his election seat was lost due to a conviction for embezzlement and violations of election law.
Reports indicate that Moon is accused of using his presidential staff to facilitate his son-in-law's relocation and employment, raising serious ethical questions and contributing to a growing narrative of corruption in South Korea's leadership. This legal action against Moon Jae-in underscores a profound examination of political accountability in a nation where the boundary between governance and personal interest has become increasingly blurred.
