Former President Moon Jae-in. (Kang Chang-kwang/Hankyoreh)
In a **stunning turn of events**, the legal landscape of South Korea has taken a sharp twist as **prosecutors have indicted former President Moon Jae-in** on charges of **bribery** linked to the controversial hiring of his former son-in-law. This development has ignited fierce backlash among **Democratic Party lawmakers**, who have labeled the indictment a blatant act of **political retaliation**. Some lawmakers are even advocating for the complete dissolution of the prosecution service, raising questions about the integrity of the judicial process in South Korea.
The Indictment Overview
On Thursday, the third criminal division of the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office issued the indictment against Moon under the **Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes**. Alongside him, former lawmaker **Lee Sang-jik** faces charges of bribery and occupational embezzlement. However, both Moon’s daughter and his ex-son-in-law have not been indicted. This indictment comes **over three years** after civic groups first brought the allegations to light in December 2023.
Allegations of Corruption
Moon is alleged to have facilitated job placement for his then-son-in-law, identified only as **Seo**, at Thai Eastar Jet—**a low-cost airline** owned by Lee—in exchange for significant financial benefits. Reportedly, the bribes could amount to **₩217 million** (approximately **$151,300**), stemming from **wages** of ₩152 million and **housing expenses** of ₩65 million.
The Evidence and Its Implications
Prosecutors argue that Lee’s appointment as the chairperson of the **Korea SMEs and Startups Agency** in March 2018, combined with Seo’s hiring as managing director of Thai Eastar Jet—particularly given his lack of relevant experience—serves as **circumstantial evidence** of bribery. They contend that Seo’s remuneration was not merely for professional services rendered but rather a method to funnel bribes to Moon, highlighting an alleged abuse of **presidential power**.
Reactions from the Political Sphere
Critics of the indictment are raising **serious concerns** about its validity. Many observers question whether the compensation received by Seo qualifies as bribery directed towards Moon. The **Democratic Party** quickly organized an emergency press conference to combat these allegations, asserting, “The prosecution has once again engaged in political maneuvering ahead of a **snap presidential election**, triggered by **former President Yoon Suk-yeol’s** alleged unlawful declaration of martial law on December 3rd.”
Citing a Pattern of Political Persecution
Democratic lawmaker **Youn Kun-young**, who previously served under Moon, denounced the indictment as “absurd,” suggesting it is a direct **retaliatory response** to the impeachment of Yoon. “We will not only fight for justice in court but also expose the prosecution’s overreach and abuse of power,” Youn emphasized, pledging to bring charges against the prosecution itself.
The Path Forward for Democratic Leaders
Prospective presidential candidates within the Democratic Party are voicing their opposition to what they perceive as excessive persecution by prosecutors. **Lee Jae-myung**, a key contender, publicly criticized the legal action as “a clear case of political retribution seeking to undermine the previous administration.” Meanwhile, **Kim Kyoung-soo** took to social media, condemning the legal system’s **politically motivated** conduct. He argued for a significant overhaul, proposing to limit the prosecution’s authority to ensure it focuses solely on its indictment powers.
In this tumultuous political climate, as tensions rise and allegations fly, one thing remains clear: the unfolding legal battles surrounding former President Moon will have profound implications for South Korea’s political framework and democratic integrity.
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