MundaHye 'Usan Protocol' Controversy... Old Criticism of Moon Resurfaces After 3 Years

Appearance of Moon Da-hye at 'Drinking Accident' Hearing
"Hold the Umbrella Yourself"...Netizens Criticize
Moon Former President's Umbrella Protocol Criticized 3 Years Ago Also Reexamined

Moon Da-hye, the daughter of former President Moon Jae-in, who caused a drunk driving accident, is appearing at the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul on the 18th, 13 days after the accident. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Today (the 18th), Moon Da-hye, daughter of former President Moon Jae-in, who was booked on suspicion of drunk driving, appeared at the police station 13 days after the accident, sparking controversy among netizens over the 'umbrella protocol' during her appearance.

According to the police, the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul summoned Moon at around 1:40 p.m. today for questioning as a suspect. Moon appeared at the police station wearing a black suit with a stern expression.

As Moon was about to get out of the car, a lawyer was seen holding an umbrella with both hands to shield her from the pouring rain. Even when Moon bowed her head in front of the press, the umbrella remained in the lawyer’s hands. When asked about her feelings by reporters, Moon briefly replied, "I am sorry," before entering the police station.

Netizens criticized the lawyer’s constant umbrella-holding, saying things like, "Can't she hold the umbrella herself?" "She committed a crime and is on her way to appear, but she should hold the umbrella herself," "Is she really sorry?" "There’s no sign of remorse," and "Is it okay for the lawyer to get wet?"

Earlier, in the early hours of the 5th, Moon was driving in front of the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon, Yongsan-gu, when she changed lanes and collided with a taxi following behind. CCTV footage from the accident showed Moon attempting a lane change without using the turn signal and seemingly brushing off a police officer’s arm who was holding her sleeve while walking together.

Police breathalyzer results showed Moon’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.149%, which is above the license cancellation level (0.08% or higher). The taxi driver sustained minor injuries but reportedly did not submit a medical report to the police after reaching a settlement with Moon’s side.

Meanwhile, the 'umbrella protocol' controversy involving Moon Da-hye has brought renewed attention to former President Moon’s past remarks. In 2021, during a staff meeting, former President Moon shared his opinion with the Prime Minister that excessive protocols, such as the overuse of umbrellas by the Ministry of Justice’s vice minister, should be restrained to avoid unnecessary formalities.