Seoul [South Korea], April 24 (HBTV): Former South Korean President Moon Jae‑in has been formally charged with bribery over allegations that he facilitated employment for his former son‑in‑law at an airline, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Moon and his daughter, Moon Da‑hye, are accused of receiving illicit benefits totaling 217 million won (approximately USD 152,000) in salary and other payments linked to the hiring of Moon’s ex‑son‑in‑law, surnamed Seo, by Thai Eastar Jet, a budget carrier based in Thailand.

Seo was appointed executive director at the airline in 2018, shortly after the company’s founder and former two‑term lawmaker Lee Sang‑jik was named head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency. Prosecutors allege that Lee’s government appointment was part of a quid pro quo arrangement to secure Seo’s position, despite Seo’s lack of aviation industry experience.

Yonhap reported that the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office indicted Moon for corruption in connection with the 217 million won benefit arising from his role in facilitating Seo’s employment.

This indictment comes roughly six weeks before South Korea’s next presidential election, officially set for June 3 following the Constitutional Court’s upholding of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment over his brief declaration of martial law last year. The government has also designated June 3 as a temporary public holiday in line with the constitutional requirement to fill a presidential vacancy within 60 days.

Yoon, a conservative leader, was ousted after he imposed martial law late last year, triggering a significant political crisis.

(ANI)