SEOUL, South Korea: Former South Korean president Moon Jae-in on Friday denounced his indictment on bribery charges as “unjust” and politically motivated.
Moon, 72, is accused of accepting a $151,000 bribe through his ex-son-in-law’s employment at Thai Eastar Jet, a low-cost airline linked to a former MP from Moon’s party.
Prosecutors say the son-in-law, previously unemployed, was hired despite lacking relevant experience.
In a televised meeting, Moon said the case was driven by a “pre-determined” agenda, calling it a clear example of political prosecution.
The indictment deepens South Korea’s political turmoil after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment triggered snap elections.
Former leaders Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye were also jailed for corruption, reflecting a pattern of political retribution.
Prosecutors are separately investigating former first lady Kim Keon Hee over alleged stock manipulation.
Moon, who brokered talks between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump, remains influential in the liberal Democratic Party, whose candidate Lee Jae-myung now leads the presidential race. – AFP
