Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in indicted for corruption

Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in has been indicted on corruption and bribery charges, with prosecutors alleging he facilitated the appointment of former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik to a government-funded agency in exchange for his son-in-law being hired at Thai Eastar Jet, an airline then controlled by Lee. Moon's son-in-law reportedly received substantial salary and benefits despite lacking relevant qualifications, which prosecutors claim amounted to a bribe to Moon. The Democratic Party, to which Moon belongs, condemned the indictment as politically motivated and an abuse of prosecutorial power, highlighting a pattern of legal action against former South Korean leaders. The case comes amid heightened political tensions following the recent removal of President Yoon Suk-yeol and ahead of national elections. Moon, who served from 2017 to 2022, was known for his efforts at rapprochement with North Korea and expanding social welfare. The indictment adds to the history of legal troubles for South Korea's former presidents.