Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in has been indicted on bribery charges over allegations involving the employment of his former son-in-law. The charges relate to claims that the son-in-law received a job and financial benefits at a Thai-based airline between 2018 and 2020, allegedly in return for Moon’s appointment of Lee Sang-jik as head of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Startups Agency.
The Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office announced the charges on Thursday, stating that the arrangement constituted bribery and a quid pro quo. Lee, a former lawmaker who was reportedly in control of the airline at the time, has also been indicted for bribery and breach of trust.
Moon responded to the indictment during a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik on Friday, describing the charges as unjust and politically driven. “Beyond revealing my personal innocence, I plan to focus on properly uncovering and informing the public about the abuse and politicisation of the prosecution’s power,” he said.
Moon’s legal team has rejected the allegations, stating that the payments to his son-in-law were legitimate compensation for work performed. They accused prosecutors of targeting Moon for political reasons, particularly ahead of the June 3 snap presidential election, which was called following the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law declaration.
Prosecutors referenced past cases involving former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak—both convicted on bribery charges—as precedents in the case against Moon.
Moon, a prominent figure in the liberal Democratic Party (DP), remains influential in South Korean politics. His indictment comes as DP candidate Lee Jae-myung leads in opinion polls against contenders from the conservative People Power Party (PPP).
The case has intensified political tensions, with Moon’s supporters calling it a politically motivated prosecution, while critics highlight the importance of ensuring accountability in government.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze.
