Prosecutors Target Former Leader Over Son-in-Law’s Job at Eastar Jet
Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in has been indicted on bribery charges tied to his former son-in-law’s controversial appointment at low-cost airline Eastar Jet. The development adds Moon to a long and turbulent list of South Korean presidents whose legacies have been overshadowed by scandal.
According to prosecutors, Moon’s former son-in-law—identified only by the surname Seo—was appointed executive director of Thai Eastar Jet, a subsidiary of the airline, despite lacking any relevant experience. The hiring allegedly came in exchange for the airline’s CEO being appointed to a senior post at a state-run agency.
Details of the Allegations
Between 2018 and 2020, Seo reportedly received around 217 million won ($150,000) in salary and housing benefits—payments prosecutors argue amount to bribes intended for Moon. A Reuters report cited prosecutors as saying Seo was absent for long periods and did not perform the duties expected of his role.
Investigations have also reached Moon’s family, with the residence of his daughter, Moon Da-hye, raided in September 2024 as part of the inquiry.
Wider Political Fallout: More Indictments and Criticism of Prosecutors
The indictment comes amid a series of legal actions against Moon’s former administration. Earlier this month, his former national security advisor and defence minister were charged with allegedly leaking classified intelligence to activists.
Former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik, founder of Eastar Jet, has also been indicted for bribery and breach of trust. In 2022, Lee was sentenced to six years in prison for embezzling company funds. He was appointed head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency in 2018—the same year Seo was hired by the airline.
Political Bias Accusations Surface Again
The indictments have reignited debates over the politicisation of South Korea’s prosecution service. The Democratic Party, which Moon once led, denounced the charges as politically motivated and aimed at humiliating a former president.
Prosecution of former leaders is not new in South Korea. From impeachment to imprisonment, most of the country’s living ex-presidents have faced legal troubles. Moon’s successor, Yoon Suk Yeol, was recently removed from office over an unauthorized martial law declaration and is now facing criminal charges himself.
Current Leadership and Public Reaction
The country is currently led by acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of the conservative People Power Party. His administration has pledged to crack down on corruption across party lines, but critics argue the recent actions target political rivals disproportionately.
As the case unfolds, the spotlight will remain on the credibility of South Korea’s judiciary and the long-standing question: Are these investigations about justice—or political revenge?
Category: Asia News, Politics, Corruption & Scandals
Tags: Moon Jae-in, Eastar Jet, Korean political scandals, bribery charges South Korea, Seo Thai Eastar Jet, Moon Da-hye, Korean prosecutors, Yoon Suk Yeol martial law, Lee Sang-jik, Korea SMEs Agency, Han Duck-soo
