Despite facing an impeachment trial and a criminal investigation for declaring martial law, suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will receive a pay raise for 2025, according to official documents released by the Ministry of Personnel Management. The decision has sparked public outrage, with critics slamming the government for allowing Yoon to continue collecting presidential benefits while under suspension.
The document, seen by AFP on Monday, indicates that Yoon’s annual salary will increase by three percent to 262.6 million won ($178,400). His pay raise comes even as he faces the possibility of permanent removal from office by the Constitutional Court and a separate insurrection investigation over his December 3 martial law declaration.
Crisis Triggered by Martial Law Declaration
Yoon, who has been suspended from office since early December, plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades when he abruptly suspended civilian rule by sending soldiers into parliament and declaring martial law. The move triggered widespread condemnation, forcing Yoon to revoke the declaration just hours later.
Following the incident, the South Korean National Assembly swiftly passed an impeachment motion, and Yoon’s case is currently being deliberated by the Constitutional Court.
In addition to his impeachment trial, Yoon is under investigation for insurrection, with prosecutors seeking to detain him for questioning over his actions. Despite multiple attempts by investigators to arrest him, Yoon remains holed up in the presidential residence, protected by his presidential guard unit, which has thwarted previous attempts to take him into custody.
Public Outrage Over Pay Raise
News of Yoon’s pay raise has sparked public outrage, with many South Koreans expressing frustration at the government’s decision to allow him to continue receiving full presidential benefits despite being suspended from duty.
“It makes my blood boil. He’s (Yoon) getting paid for doing nothing,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), in a post that quickly went viral.
Critics argue that Yoon should have his salary suspended until the Constitutional Court ruling is finalized. However, under South Korean law, Yoon retains his presidential status and entitlements until the court delivers its verdict on his impeachment.
Pay Increase for Acting President Also Sparks Criticism
Adding to the controversy, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who took over as acting president following Yoon’s suspension, will also receive a three percent pay increase, bringing his salary to 203.5 million won ($138,350).
Han himself is currently suspended from duty after facing his own impeachment trial, further fueling criticism that the government is rewarding officials who are unable to perform their duties.
Yoon Resists Arrest, Tense Standoff with Security Forces
Yoon has repeatedly refused to cooperate with prosecutors, declining to meet with investigators probing his martial law declaration. Earlier this month, an attempt by law enforcement to arrest him led to a tense, hours-long standoff at the presidential residence. His security detail ultimately blocked the arrest attempt, forcing investigators to retreat.
Authorities are reportedly preparing another attempt to arrest the suspended president in the coming days.
Daily Protests in Seoul
The crisis has led to daily rival protests in Seoul, with groups both supporting and opposing Yoon taking to the streets. The situation has deepened political divisions in the country, with some citizens demanding Yoon’s immediate removal and others insisting he should be allowed to defend his actions before the Constitutional Court.
As South Korea waits for a final ruling on Yoon’s impeachment, the controversy over his continued salary and benefits is likely to remain a hot-button issue in the coming weeks. Critics argue that allowing suspended officials to collect full pay sends the wrong message about accountability and transparency in government.
The Constitutional Court is expected to deliver its verdict in the coming months, a decision that could permanently remove Yoon from office or reinstate him as president. Until then, the political crisis shows no sign of abating.
