South Korea: Former President Moon Indicted for Bribery
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Synopsis
On April 24, 2023, former South Korean President Moon Jae-in was indicted for bribery related to allegations involving the employment of his ex-son-in-law at an airline. Moon's indictment has sparked political controversy ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
Key Takeaways
- Former President Moon Jae-in faces bribery charges.
- Allegations involve his ex-son-in-law's employment at an airline.
- Former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik is also indicted.
- Political tensions rise ahead of the June 3 elections.
- Democratic Party strongly criticizes the indictment.
Jeonju (South Korea), April 24 (NationPress) On Thursday, South Korean prosecutors announced the indictment of former President Moon Jae-in on charges of bribery related to accusations of facilitating the employment of his ex-son-in-law at an airline.
Moon, who held the presidency from 2017 to 2022, faces corruption charges, while former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik, the founder of the budget airline Thai Eastar Jet, has been indicted for bribery and breach of trust.
Both Moon and his daughter, Da-hye, are alleged to have received bribes in the form of salary and other payments for Da-hye's ex-husband, known as Seo, by the airline.
Seo was appointed as executive director at the airline in 2018, shortly after Lee, who established the airline, was named head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency.
Prosecutors suspect that Lee's appointment was a quid pro quo arrangement for hiring Seo at the airline, especially since Seo had no prior experience in the aviation sector.
It is alleged that Moon ceased financial support to his daughter’s family after Seo's hiring, with prosecutors viewing the total of approximately 217 million won ($151,125) paid to Seo and Da-hye by the airline as a bribe to the former president.
The indictment occurs as the country prepares for the June 3 presidential election, following the recent ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his unsuccessful martial law attempt, according to Yonhap news agency.
No immediate comment has been made by Moon regarding the indictment; however, the Democratic Party (DP) has vocally condemned the prosecution. Moon was the DP's candidate in the 2017 presidential election.
DP spokesperson Park Kyung-mee criticized the indictment as a political move aimed at undermining both Moon and the DP.
Former DP leader Lee Jae-myung also condemned the indictment, claiming it is a politically motivated act of persecution against the previous administration.
