Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in Indicted on Bribery Charges Linked to Son-in-Law’s No-Show Job

South Korea's former President Moon Jae-in

Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in has been indicted on bribery charges, with prosecutors alleging that his son-in-law received a high-paying, no-show position from a budget airline during Moon’s presidency, which lasted from 2017 to 2022. This development places Moon among several former South Korean presidents who have faced legal troubles following their time in office.

According to prosecutors, Moon received illegal financial benefits totaling 217 million won (approximately $151,705) from Lee Sang-jik, the founder of budget airline Thai Eastar Jet. The alleged bribes were funneled through wages, housing support, and other financial benefits provided to Moon’s former son-in-law between 2018 and 2020. The son-in-law, who later divorced Moon’s daughter in 2021, reportedly held a director-level position in Lee’s Thailand-based company despite having no prior experience in the airline industry. He allegedly spent minimal time at the company’s office in Thailand and performed only basic tasks while claiming to work remotely from South Korea.

The Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office also indicted Lee Sang-jik on charges of bribery and breach of trust. Although there is no direct evidence that Moon personally granted political favors in return for Lee’s support, prosecutors stated that Lee, a former campaign associate of Moon’s, likely expected reciprocal benefits. Lee was later appointed head of the Korea SME and Startups Agency, a government-funded organization, and was also nominated by Moon’s party to run for the National Assembly during Moon’s term. A former presidential aide responsible for personnel appointments was previously indicted in connection to Lee’s appointment, but she reportedly refused to cooperate during the investigation.

The indictment of Moon Jae-in comes at a politically sensitive moment, just ahead of the June 3 presidential election, which will determine the successor to current President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon, a conservative and former top prosecutor, is currently on trial for rebellion charges related to a failed martial law attempt in December, which led to his ouster. Political analysts suggest that despite Moon’s indictment, liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung remains the frontrunner due to the conservative camp’s disarray. However, Lee is also facing ongoing criminal trials on separate corruption allegations.

Moon’s political allies within the main liberal opposition Democratic Party have strongly criticized the indictment, denouncing it as a politically charged move intended to discredit Moon and distract from Yoon Suk Yeol’s legal troubles. Democratic Party lawmaker Youn Kun-young, who previously served in Moon’s presidential office, accused the prosecution of attempting to influence the election by targeting the former president. The party vowed to hold the prosecution accountable for what it views as election interference.

Moon Jae-in is remembered for his efforts to improve inter-Korean relations, including holding three summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and playing a key role in facilitating nuclear diplomacy between Kim and then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Supporters applaud Moon for reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and preventing military confrontations, while critics argue that his engagement policy allowed North Korea to strengthen its weapons programs under the cover of diplomacy.