Prosecutors investigating allegations of preferential hiring at T’way Air have identified former South Korean President Moon Jae In as a suspect in a bribery case. As part of a broader crackdown, authorities conduct searches and seizures related to Moon and his family.
There is increasing speculation about the possibility of questioning Moon alongside an unprecedented simultaneous investigation into his wife, Kim Jung Sook. She is scrutinized for a trip to the Taj Mahal and purchasing a Chanel jacket.
Search Warrant Names Moon as Bribery Suspect
According to legal sources, the Criminal Division 3 of the Jeonju District Prosecutors’ Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Han Yeon Kyu, executed searches on the 30th of last month at the Seoul residence and Jeju villa of Moon’s daughter, Da Hye. The search warrant explicitly identifies Moon as a suspect in the bribery investigation.
The charges include bribery, with prosecutors investigating whether there was a quid pro quo involving Moon’s former son-in-law, Mr. Seo. Despite having no prior experience in aviation, Seo was hired as a senior executive at T’way Air in July 2018. The investigation also looks into the appointment of former lawmaker Lee Sang Jik as chairman of the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency in March of the same year.
Prosecutors suspect that the salary, housing expenses, and other support provided to Seo by T’way Air could be bribes to Moon.
To investigate these claims, prosecutors scrutinize Moon and his wife’s financial support to their daughter Da Hye’s family, including relocation expenses to Thailand. They have secured search warrants for Moon’s and his wife’s bank accounts to track the flow of funds.
Reports indicate that Kim’s friend transferred 50 million won (approximately $37,350) to Da Hye at her request. This development is expected to intensify the investigation into Moon and his wife.
Investigation into Kim Jung Sook’s Taj Mahal Trip and Chanel Jacket
Separate from the bribery probe, the Criminal Division 2 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, led by Chief Prosecutor Jo Ah Ra, is investigating Kim’s alleged extravagant trip to the Taj Mahal in India and her Chanel jacket expenses.
Kim is accused of arranging her visit to the Taj Mahal in November 2018 despite not receiving an official invitation from the Indian government. She allegedly used 400 million won (approximately $299,000) in reserve funds for a personal trip.
Prosecutors are also investigating claims that Kim’s 2018 visit to France in 2018 included the purchase of a Chanel jacket, which was paid for using special activity funds from the Blue House.
The controversy over Kim’s Chanel jacket began spreading online in March 2022. Concerns arose when a Chanel jacket displayed at Incheon International Airport, donated to the National Hangeul Museum, was identified as different from the one Kim had worn. This led to allegations that Kim’s jacket was paid for with special activity funds from the Blue House.
In June, six months after receiving the complaint, prosecutors reassigned the investigation into Kim’s’ trip to India. They subsequently summoned Lee Jong Bae, a Seoul city council member from the People Power Party, as well as officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This development has fueled speculation that prosecutors might soon question Moon and his wife. Although prosecutors have not disclosed their methods or targets, legal experts suggest that an inquiry into the former presidential couple appears increasingly inevitable.