South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, will receive a 3% pay rise, increasing his annual salary to 262.6 million won ($179,000; £147,000), despite his impeachment for briefly placing the country under martial law. The government confirmed the increase, which aligns with the standard for government officials.
Since his impeachment in December, Yoon has resisted investigations and arrest attempts for alleged insurrection and abuse of power, deepening the country’s political turmoil. Despite being suspended, Yoon remains in office until the constitutional court upholds his impeachment.
Yoon justified his martial law declaration by citing threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea, but it was later revealed to be driven by domestic political issues. The news of his salary increase has sparked criticism among South Koreans, with many expressing disbelief that he is still getting paid, let alone receiving a raise.
Meanwhile, ocial media users pointed out that Yoon’s 3% salary rise is almost double the country’s 1.7% minimum wage increase. “Minimum wage increased by 1.7% while Yoon gets 3% for what?” reads a popular post on X.
Earlier this month, Yoon’s security blocked investigators from reaching him at the presidential residence, leading to an expired arrest warrant, which was later extended by a local court. Authorities are preparing for another arrest attempt and have requested police assistance.
On Monday, officials stated that any attempt to arrest Yoon would avoid “casualties or bloodshed” and warned that obstructing security staff and lawmakers could face arrest. Yoon’s lawyers called the arrest warrant “illegal” and demanded that arrest team personnel not wear masks to prevent impersonation.
In Seoul, thousands have protested both in support of and against Yoon. Critics want him impeached and arrested for his martial law attempt, while supporters believe his actions were justified to protect South Korea’s democracy.
Han Duck-soo, who briefly served as acting president after Yoon’s impeachment and was later impeached himself, will also receive a 3% salary increase to 204 million won ($138,000; £114,000). For comparison, the US president earns $400,000 (£329,000), and the UK Prime Minister’s salary is around £172,000 ($209,000).
