Prosecutors allege bribe-linked appointment of ex-son-in-law in Thai airline
In a major political development, South Korean prosecutors have indicted former President Moon Jae-in on charges of bribery linked to his former son-in-law’s employment at a Thai-based airline. Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office announced the indictment on Thursday, marking it as the first criminal charge against the former liberal leader since he left office in 2022.
Alleged Bribery via Thai Easter Jet
Prosecutors have accused Moon, 72, and his daughter Moon Da-hye of accepting bribes in the form of salary and financial benefits, which Da-hye’s husband, Seo, allegedly received from Thailand’s Thai Easter Jet. According to Yonhap News Agency, prosecutors claim that former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik facilitated these payments.
They also allege that Lee, a former parliamentarian and founder of the now-defunct airline Eastar Jet, played a key role in securing Seo’s appointment and perks at Thai Easter Jet while serving as head of South Korea’s SMEs and Startups Agency from 2018 to 2020.
Total Alleged Payment Over $177,000
According to prosecution documents, Moon allegedly received 5.95 million baht—equivalent to about $177,506 USD or 218 million won—while serving as executive director, a sum that authorities claim constitutes a bribe.
Moon’s Presidential Legacy at Risk
Moon, a former human rights lawyer, served as South Korea’s president from 2017 to 2022, leading the country through key diplomatic moments including summits with North Korea. He was succeeded by Conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, who himself was recently impeached by parliament over the imposition of short-lived martial law earlier this month.
This new legal challenge could significantly affect Moon’s political legacy and the image of the Democratic Party he once led.
