South Korea: Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to receive a 3 percent pay rise, increasing his annual earnings to $179,000 (262.6 million won; £147,000), the government has confirmed. The raise comes despite Yoon’s impeachment for declaring martial law under controversial circumstances, flashing outrage and intensifying political turmoil in the country.
Yoon, who has been suspended since December, remains in office while awaiting the Constitutional Court’s final decision on his impeachment. During this time, he has fought attempts by investigators to arrest him on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
The salary growth has drawn sharp criticism from the public, with many questioning why a suspended president is entitled to a pay rise. Social media platforms are abuzz with reactions, including a widely shared post comparing Yoon’s 3 percent raise to the country’s 1.7 percent minimum wage increase.
Yoon had cited hazards from “anti-state forces” and North Korea as justification for his brief martial law declaration. However, it was later revealed that domestic political concerns were at the core of his decision, further eroding public trust in his leadership.
Large-scale protests have exploded in Seoul, with thousands taking to the streets in both support of and opposition to Yoon. His critics demand his arrest and removal, while advocates argue his actions were necessary to safeguard democracy.
Earlier this month, Yoon’s security team stopped investigators from reaching the presidential residence, causing an initial arrest warrant to lapse. However, a local court has since expanded the warrant, and investigators are readying for another attempt to detain the embattled president.
Authorities have pledged to avoid any violence during the arrest and warned that obstructing officials could result in charges against security personnel and lawmakers. Yoon’s legal team has labelled the arrest efforts as “illegal” and criticised plans to involve the police, citing security concerns.
Han Duck-soo, the acting president who stepped in after Yoon’s impeachment but was himself impeached by parliament, will also receive a 3 percent salary increase, raising his annual pay to $138,000 (204 million won; £114,000).
For context, the US president earns $400,000 (£329,000) annually, while the UK Prime Minister’s salary is about $209,000 (£172,000). This latest development underscores the ongoing political chaos in South Korea, as the nation grapples with leadership crises and public displeasure.
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