Former President Moon Jaein stated on the 25th that the prosecution's decision to indict him without detention on bribery charges was "an abrupt indictment and unjust," adding, "It feels as though something is being pushed forward unconditionally in a predetermined direction."
Former President Moon Jaein and First Lady Kim Jungsook are entering the National Assembly on the 25th to meet with Speaker Woo Wonsik. On this day, former President Moon visited the National Assembly for the first time since his retirement to attend the 7th anniversary ceremony of the Panmunjom Declaration. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
On the afternoon of the same day at the National Assembly, former President Moon met with Speaker Woo Wonsik and said, "This seems to be a clear example of the prosecution becoming politicized and the abuse of prosecutorial power."
Former President Moon said, "We need to normalize the country quickly through an early presidential election," and added, "If the current confrontation and division continue, considerable confusion is expected even after the launch of a new administration."
He also stated, "It would be good if the National Assembly could play a significant role by cooperating closely with the new government so that people's livelihoods can stabilize as soon as possible."
On the 25th, the prosecution indicted former President Moon without detention on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (bribery). Lee Sangjik, former lawmaker and founder of Eastar Jet, was also brought to trial on charges of offering bribes and breach of duty. Moon's daughter, Dahye, and her former husband, Mr. Seo, were given a suspension of indictment.
According to the indictment, former President Moon, in collusion with Dahye and Mr. Seo, allegedly arranged for Mr. Seo to be hired as an executive at Thai Eastar Jet, the overseas affiliate of Eastar Jet owned by former lawmaker Lee. Mr. Seo received approximately 150 million won (4.16 million baht) in salary and 65 million won (1.78 million baht) for housing expenses from August 2018 to March 2020 at Thai Eastar Jet. The prosecution determined that, since former President Moon stopped providing living expenses to Dahye and her husband after Mr. Seo's employment, Moon personally gained direct financial benefit equivalent to these amounts.
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