Journal of South Korea’s prosecutors announced on Thursday ( Apr 24 ) that they had indicted former president Moon Jae-in on corruption charges involving his son-in-law’s employment at an airline.
Moon was “indicted for corruption for receiving 217 million won ( US$ 150, 000 ) in connection with facilitating the employment of his son-in-law at an airline,” according to a statement from the Jeonju District Prosecutors ‘ Office.
The situation adds to the political crisis that grips South Korea, which is set to hold elections on June 3rd after Yoon Suk-yeol was removed from office briefly for imposing military law.
Moon, who presided over North Korea from 2017 to 2022, was known for pursuing relationship with the US, including facilitating negotiations between Kim Jong Un, the leader of Pyongyang, and US President Donald Trump during his first word.
Despite lacking any related experience or skills in the airline industry, Moon’s son-in-law was appointed managing producer by low-cost flight Thai Eastar Jet, according to prosecutors.
The son-in-law “frequently left his position for prolonged intervals… and did not perform his responsibilities in a way befitting the place,” they claimed.
According to prosecutors, the flight, which was properly under the control of a previous MP from Moon’s party, had hired Moon’s son-in-law to try to get favors from the then-president.
According to the prosecution, any income and other financial benefits the aircraft provided to the son-in-law between 2018 and 2020 “were established as no legitimate income payments, but bribes intended for the president.”
The child of Moon’s son-in-law after divorced her.