S. Korea's ex-president Moon named suspect in bribery case

Probe focuses on possible link between his ex-son-in-law's job, key govt appointment

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Prosecutors in South Korea have identified former president Moon Jae-in as a suspect in a bribery case, alleging that his former son-in-law received preferential treatment in securing a job with an airline in return for arranging a key government appointment for the politician who founded the airline.

The Criminal Division 3 of the Jeonju District Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation into Mr Moon's potential involvement, as detailed in a search warrant executed on Aug 30 at the home of his daughter, Ms Moon Da-hye.

The raid stems from complaints filed four years ago regarding the hiring of Mr Moon's then son-inlaw, identified only by his surname Seo, at Thai Eastar Jet.

Mr Seo has since divorced Ms Moon.

The investigation focuses on a possible connection between Mr Seo's employment and the appointment of former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik as head of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, or Kosme.

The conservative ruling People Power Party (PPP) and Seoulbased civic group Justice People filed four complaints between September 2020 and April 2021, alleging possible quid pro quo.