Moon Jae-in indicted for bribery over son-in-law's Thai airline job

South Korea’s ex-president faces charges in connection with an alleged quid pro quo involving a Thai company and a former lawmaker.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech during the ceremony marking the 103rd anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement Day in Seoul, South Korea, on March 1, 2022. Photo by Jeon Heon-Kyun/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

South Korea’s political landscape has been rocked by the indictment of former president Moon Jae-in, who now faces bribery charges linked to a controversial job placement involving his son-in-law. According to a spokesperson for the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office, Moon, 72, has been formally charged in connection with financial benefits received by his family member from a Thai-based company controlled by a former lawmaker.

The case centers on the employment of Moon’s former son-in-law at a Thai airline operated by former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik. Lee himself has been indicted for bribery and breach of trust, in what prosecutors allege was a corrupt exchange of political influence for financial gain.

Moon Jae-in indicted for bribery lies at the heart of this latest chapter in South Korea’s ongoing struggle with political accountability, with prosecutors presenting financial records and employment timelines they say clearly demonstrate an illegal quid pro quo.

According to the detailed statement released Thursday by the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office, investigators allege that Lee's appointment as head of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Startups Agency in 2018 was tied to the hiring of Moon’s former son-in-law at a Thai airline Lee owned or controlled.

The prosecution contends that between 2018 and 2020, Moon’s son-in-law received a salary and living expenses while employed by the Thai airline. These payments reportedly totaled 5.95 million baht — approximately $177,506, or 218 million South Korean won. Authorities allege these payments were not tied to actual work performance and instead represented a disguised bribe to Moon in exchange for Lee's powerful appointment in the government agency.

While the prosecutors emphasized that the funds were structured as compensation for an executive director role, their investigation revealed a lack of substantive duties and responsibilities performed by Moon’s son-in-law, further bolstering claims that the job was a front for an illicit transaction.

Neither Moon nor Lee, nor their legal representatives, could be reached for comment at the time of the announcement. The silence from both camps has only intensified public and media scrutiny, as the case is likely to head to court in the coming months.

The indictment marks a dramatic reversal of fortune for Moon Jae-in, a former human rights lawyer and civil rights activist who rose to power in the wake of the 2016–2017 impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. Moon was elected in 2017 as a reformist president who promised transparency, fairness, and justice — ideals that are now being questioned amid allegations of corruption within his own family circle.

Moon served a five-year term that ended in 2022, handing over power to conservative president Yoon Suk Yeol. Ironically, Yoon himself — a former prosecutor who had risen to prominence by investigating political scandals — was impeached earlier this month following his imposition of martial law during a period of civil unrest. That decision sparked backlash and ultimately led to his removal from office, further complicating South Korea’s already turbulent political climate.

The juxtaposition of two back-to-back presidents becoming embroiled in separate controversies — one over allegations of bribery, the other over abuse of power — has fueled public debate about the integrity of South Korea’s highest office.

The indictment of Moon Jae-in for bribery is a significant development with far-reaching implications. If convicted, Moon could face criminal penalties including imprisonment, which would not only tarnish his legacy but also create legal and political ripples throughout South Korea’s liberal party establishment.

In legal terms, the focus of the trial will likely rest on proving whether Moon was aware of or complicit in orchestrating his son-in-law’s employment in exchange for political favors. Prosecutors must also establish a direct link between the financial benefits received by the family member and Moon’s own decision-making during Lee’s appointment to a public agency.

Lee Sang-jik, already under scrutiny for financial misconduct related to his corporate dealings, will now face parallel charges that include both bribery and breach of trust — potentially increasing the severity of his legal exposure.

Legal analysts note that South Korean courts have historically taken a hard line on political corruption, particularly when it involves former heads of state. The convictions of former presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak serve as recent precedents where misconduct led to lengthy prison sentences, only later commuted or pardoned.

Public reaction to the news that Moon Jae-in has been indicted for bribery has been sharply divided. Supporters of Moon argue that the timing and substance of the charges appear politically motivated, possibly aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of upcoming legislative elections. Critics, however, say that Moon must be held accountable if the allegations are proven true.

The liberal Democratic Party, with which Moon remains closely aligned, has not yet issued an official response to the indictment. However, political insiders suggest that the party may soon be forced to reckon with internal divisions and mounting pressure from the public to reform its leadership structure and ethical standards.

Meanwhile, conservative groups are likely to seize on the indictment as proof of widespread corruption within Moon’s administration, using the scandal to galvanize support amid an already chaotic election cycle.

The Moon Jae-in indicted for bribery case also highlights broader themes in South Korean politics, where a cycle of corruption scandals and legal action against top leaders has become a persistent narrative. From military coups in the 1980s to recent democratic elections, the country has made significant strides in consolidating rule of law and institutional integrity — but recurring scandals indicate that vulnerabilities remain.

Political observers say the indictment reflects the enduring challenge of separating familial or personal interests from official state business, a problem that is not unique to South Korea but particularly potent given the country’s high expectations for transparency in public service.

As the case unfolds, attention will turn not only to the courts but also to public opinion, which has the power to influence both political momentum and legal outcomes in South Korea’s deeply participatory democracy.

The first court hearing for the bribery case involving Moon Jae-in is expected to take place in the coming weeks. Legal experts predict a lengthy trial process, likely accompanied by public demonstrations, parliamentary inquiries, and intense media coverage.

Regardless of the final verdict, the indictment itself marks a profound moment in South Korea’s democratic evolution — a reminder that no leader, regardless of popularity or ideology, is above the law.

As more details emerge and the trial progresses, the story of Moon Jae-in indicted for bribery will remain at the center of the nation’s political discourse, potentially redefining the legacy of a once-celebrated reformer now facing the toughest fight of his public life.