Moon Jae-in Indicted: Another South Korean President Faces Corruption Charges

On April 24, 2025, South Korean prosecutors indicted former President Moon Jae-in on bribery charges, alleging that he facilitated a lucrative, no-show job for his then-son-in-law at Eastar Jet, a budget airline founded by former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik. The indictment claims that between 2018 and 2020, Moon’s son-in-law received approximately 217 million won ($151,000) in compensation without performing actual duties, during Moon’s presidency from 2017 to 2022. Prosecutors argue that this arrangement indirectly benefited Moon by relieving him of financial responsibilities toward his daughter and son-in-law, constituting a form of bribery.

Moon has vehemently denied the allegations, labelling the indictment as “unjust” and politically motivated. He contends that the prosecution’s actions exemplify the misuse of legal power for political purposes. Moon’s legal team asserts that the compensation received by his son-in-law was for legitimate work and that the charges lack substantive evidence. ​

This indictment adds Moon to a growing list of South Korean leaders who have faced legal challenges after leaving office. Notably, his immediate predecessor, Park Geun-hye, was impeached and imprisoned for corruption, while his successor, Yoon Suk Yeol, was recently removed from office and is facing trial for attempting to impose martial law.

The timing of Moon’s indictment, just weeks before a snap presidential election scheduled for June 3, has intensified political tensions. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, a member of Moon’s Democratic Party, currently leads in the polls. Supporters of Moon argue that the charges are an attempt by political adversaries to undermine the Democratic Party’s prospects in the upcoming election.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case is expected to have significant implications for South Korea’s political landscape, highlighting ongoing concerns about the intersection of politics and the judiciary in the country.​