South Korean prosecutors have indicted former President Moon Jae-in on bribery charges.
The allegations center around Moon’s son-in-law, who became CEO of Thai Estar Jet, a subsidiary of a low-cost airline founded by Lee Sang-jik, a former lawmaker.
Lee was convicted of embezzling company funds and sentenced to six years in prison.
Prosecutors claim that Moon received bribes through his daughter, Moon Da-hye.
Her home was raided in September during the bribery investigation.
The alleged bribes include 223 million won in salary and other compensation paid to Moon’s son-in-law and daughter between 2018 and 2020.
Moon’s son-in-law became CEO despite lacking experience in the airline industry.
He often took long absences and didn’t perform his duties properly.
Political Fallout
The indictment comes amid a series of prosecutions targeting Moon’s former administration officials.
The opposition party has denounced the indictment as a “politically motivated move aimed at embarrassing” Moon.
Some accuse South Korean prosecutors of being used as a political tool, with investigations often targeting rival politicians when the government changes hands.
The current government is led by Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of the People Power Party.
Moon’s Legacy
Moon served as South Korea’s president from 2017 to 2022 and played a key role in efforts to negotiate a peace deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Several former South Korean presidents have faced scandals, including imprisonment, assassination, and suicide.
Moon’s predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, was impeached after declaring martial law.
The source of this information is Yonhap.