On Thursday, April 24, the Jeonju Regional Prosecutors’ Office in South Korea announced that former President Moon Jae-in is being prosecuted for alleged bribery. This revelation has caused a stir in the South Korean political arena and public opinion.
According to the investigation by the prosecution, Moon Jae-in is suspected of conspiring with his daughter, Moon Dohui, and former son-in-law, Mr. Xu, to illegally appoint Mr. Xu as a high-ranking executive at Thai Eastar Airlines, which is practically controlled by Lee Sang-jik, a former legislator and founder of Eastar Air. In March 2018, after Lee Sang-jik was appointed chairman of the Small and Medium Business Promotion Corporation, Mr. Xu joined Thai Eastar Airlines in August of the same year as an executive, a position he held until March 2020.
The prosecution revealed that during this period, Mr. Xu received a total of 150 million South Korean won (approximately 765,000 Chinese yuan) in salary and 65 million South Korean won (approximately 330,000 Chinese yuan) in housing subsidies.
The prosecution pointed out that after Mr. Xu was hired, President Moon suspended economic support to the Moon family, a move seen as bringing direct financial benefits to Moon Jae-in due to Mr. Xu’s employment.
Furthermore, the prosecution found that the Blue House’s Civil Affairs Secretary’s Office, the Special Inspection Team, and the Presidential Security Service had provided various conveniences for the Moon family during their stay in Thailand, including itinerary arrangements and related support. The prosecution believes that the crux of this case lies in Moon Jae-in’s abuse of presidential authority through the politician and entrepreneur Lee Sang-jik to seek special benefits for his daughter’s family.
In addition to Moon Jae-in, the prosecution has also filed charges against Lee Sang-jik for alleged bribery and dereliction of duty. As for Moon Dohui and Mr. Xu, the prosecution has not yet filed charges but stated that subsequent actions will be determined based on the progress of the investigation. The prosecution emphasized that as the highest leader of the country, Moon Jae-in’s actions are suspected of violating the integrity obligation of public officials, severely damaging the public’s trust in government institutions.
Following the exposure of this case, there has been a commotion in the South Korean political arena and public opinion. On the night of the announcement, Moon Jae-in responded by calling the charges “absurd and baseless” and labeled them as “retaliatory charges against Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment.” Earlier this month, the South Korean Constitutional Court passed an impeachment ruling against President Yoon Suk-yeol, leading to his removal from office.
It is reported that the bribery case involving Moon Jae-in will be tried at the Seoul Central District Court. The subsequent progress of the case is being closely watched as it may have a profound impact on the political landscape of South Korea.