Former South Korean President Moon Jae-In has been formally indicted on charges of bribery, marking a significant development in the nation's political landscape. Prosecutors allege that during his tenure from 2017 to 2022, Moon facilitated the appointment of his former son-in-law, Seo, to a high-ranking position at Thai Eastar Jet, a subsidiary of a budget airline, despite Seo's lack of qualifications in the aviation industry.
The indictment claims that Seo received approximately 217 million won ($150,000) in salary and housing benefits, which prosecutors argue constituted bribes intended for Moon. The allegations extend to former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik, founder of Eastar Jet, who has also been charged with bribery and breach of trust.
Moon's Democratic Party has condemned the indictment, labeling it as politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish the reputation of a former president. This case adds to the list of South Korean leaders whose careers have been marred by scandal, further fueling the nation's polarized political environment.
The investigation comes amidst broader scrutiny of Moon's administration, including recent indictments of his former national security advisor and defense minister. Critics argue that the prosecution service's actions reflect political bias, while supporters emphasize the importance of accountability in governance.