The daughter of former South Korean President Moon Jae-in is under police investigation following a drunk driving incident that has triggered criticism, particularly from the conservative bloc.
Moon Da-hye, 40, was involved in a car accident in Itaewon, Seoul, around 2:50 a.m. on Saturday, where her vehicle collided with a taxi. Her blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.14 percent, nearly double the legal limit for license revocation in South Korea, set at 0.08 percent.
This incident has placed the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), the main opposition, in a difficult position as criticism from both within and outside the party intensifies. According to the police, Moon attempted to change lanes when the collision occurred, causing minor injuries to the taxi driver. The case has reignited public scrutiny, especially given that former President Moon had previously condemned drunk driving as a serious offense.
Moon Da-hye, the daughter of former President Moon Jae-in, is also facing scrutiny for additional potential violations. Local media have speculated that she may have committed traffic offenses such as running a red light and illegal parking. However, the police have yet to initiate investigations into these specific allegations. Authorities have stated that the ongoing inquiry is focused solely on the drunk driving incident, and no formal charges have been filed beyond her booking under the Road Traffic Act.
Surveillance footage from the scene captured Moon staggering before entering her Hyundai Casper, a vehicle gifted to her by her father earlier this year. It is estimated that she drove roughly 400 meters before colliding with the taxi. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed that she took a breathalyzer test on the spot and was subsequently taken to a nearby station for questioning. After the initial investigation, she was sent home, which police clarified is standard procedure in drunk driving cases.
The incident has attracted significant political attention, especially from conservative lawmakers who have been vocal in their criticism of both the former president and the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).
Former President Moon’s previous stance against drunk driving, where he equated it to an act of murder, has resurfaced, amplifying the backlash. Despite the mounting pressure, neither Moon Jae-in nor the DPK has released an official statement regarding the case.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is an ongoing investigation into Moon Da-hye’s alleged involvement in a separate bribery case. Prosecutors have been looking into claims that her ex-husband was appointed as an executive at Thai Eastar Jet due to preferential treatment connected to former DPK lawmaker Lee Sang-jik. Moon’s home and office were searched in late August as part of this inquiry, and she is expected to be summoned for further questioning.
Rep. Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), highlighted the former president’s own statements on drunk driving, questioning whether Moon Da-hye should receive special treatment. “Should Ms. Da-hye be an exception? Who among the people would think so?” he asked, criticizing the incident as indicative of the Democratic Party of Korea’s (DPK) double standards in applying moral values. Another ruling party member, Rep. Kim Jang-kyom, remarked that Moon should have heeded her father’s warnings despite his occasional controversial remarks.
