Impeached South Korean President Yoon to Receive 3% Pay Increase
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to receive a 3% pay rise, bringing his annual salary to 262.6 million won ($179,000; £147,000), despite being suspended from office. The government announced that the raise aligns with standard adjustments for government officials.
Yoon was impeached in December following his controversial declaration of martial law, a move he justified by citing threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. However, reports suggest his decision was driven more by domestic political struggles than external threats. His impeachment has plunged South Korea into deeper political uncertainty.
Although suspended, Yoon remains in office pending a final ruling by the constitutional court. In the meantime, he has resisted investigations and an arrest warrant over allegations of insurrection and abuse of power, further inflaming public opinion.
Public Backlash Over Pay Increase
News of Yoon’s salary hike has sparked widespread criticism. Many South Koreans expressed outrage that a suspended president would not only continue to receive a salary but also enjoy an increment.
Social media users highlighted the disparity between Yoon’s 3% salary raise and the country’s 1.7% minimum wage increase. One widely shared post on X read, “Minimum wage increased by 1.7% while Yoon gets 3% for what?”
Standoff Over Arrest Warrant
Efforts to arrest Yoon have faced significant obstacles. Earlier this month, his security detail blocked investigators from accessing the presidential residence. Authorities have pledged to ensure any future attempt to arrest Yoon avoids “casualties or bloodshed.” They also warned that anyone obstructing the arrest, including security personnel and lawmakers, could face charges.
Yoon’s legal team has called the arrest warrant “illegal” and argued that deploying police and investigators to arrest the president amounts to “a betrayal of the public.” They also demanded that arrest personnel refrain from wearing masks to prevent impersonation by rioters.
Acting President Also Receives Pay Rise
Han Duck-soo, who assumed the role of acting president after Yoon’s impeachment but was later impeached himself, will also receive a 3% salary increase, bringing his annual pay to 204 million won ($138,000; £114,000).
Comparison to Other World Leaders
The controversy over salaries has also drawn comparisons with other world leaders’ earnings. The US president earns $400,000 (£329,000) annually, while the UK Prime Minister’s salary is approximately £172,000 ($209,000).
As South Korea awaits the constitutional court’s verdict, the nation remains deeply divided, with criticism of Yoon’s leadership intensifying amid the ongoing political and legal turmoil.
