Another Favoritism Scandal Rocks South Korea in Setback for Moon

  • Justice minister probed over son’s extended military leave
  • Opposition bloc seeks to capitalize on anger over inequality
S. Korea’s Justice Minister Probed Over Son’s Military Leave
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A year ago, Moon Jae-in’s presidency was shaken by allegations that a high-flying justice minister had abused his influence to benefit his children. Now, Moon’s in a similar jam, with a different justice minister.

Prosecutors raided the Ministry of National Defense and Army Headquarters on Tuesday as part of a probe into whether Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae inappropriately helped her son extend his medical leave from military service. The scandal has quickly consumed local politics, with opposition lawmakers grilling Choo in parliament and a ruling-party legislator identifying a whistle-blower who helped spark the case.