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Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in Indicted on Bribery Charges

Prosecutors allege Moon facilitated his son-in-law's employment at a Thai airline in exchange for a political appointment, as Moon decries the case as politically motivated.

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South Korean former President Moon Jae-in gets out of a car upon his arrival at National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
South Korean former President Moon Jae-in speaks during the ceremony for the 7th anniversary of the Panmunjom declaration, at National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
South Korean former President Moon Jae-in arrives at National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

Overview

  • Moon Jae-in, South Korea's former president, has been indicted for allegedly receiving 217 million won ($151,000) in bribes through his son-in-law's employment at Thai Eastar Jet.
  • Prosecutors claim Moon appointed Lee Sang-jik to lead the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency as part of a quid pro quo for the airline job, despite the son-in-law's lack of qualifications.
  • The indictment has been transferred to the Seoul Central District Court, where Moon will face trial on bribery charges.
  • Moon and his Democratic Party allies have criticized the indictment as a politically driven abuse of prosecutorial power ahead of the June 3 snap presidential election.
  • This case adds Moon to a long list of South Korean presidents facing legal scrutiny after leaving office, continuing a pattern of political and judicial reckoning for former leaders.