South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, is set to receive a 3% salary increase for 2025, raising his annual pay to 262.6 million won (£147,000) from 254.9 million won (£142,599) the previous year. Despite being under suspension and facing intense legal scrutiny, Yoon will now earn a monthly salary of 21.8 million won (£12,195).
The salary hike aligns with the annual increase granted to all government officials, sparking widespread debate given Yoon’s ongoing impeachment and criminal investigations.
Impeachment and Martial Law Controversy
Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from office on December 14, 2024, following his impeachment by the National Assembly. The decision came after Yoon declared South Korea’s first martial law in 40 years earlier that month—a decree that lasted only six hours before lawmakers voted to revoke it. The National Assembly’s vote proceeded despite efforts by armed soldiers to block the session.
The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the validity of Yoon’s impeachment. If the court upholds the decision, Yoon will be permanently removed from office.
Adding to the impeachment proceedings, the 64-year-old faces separate investigations into allegations of insurrection and abuse of power. Investigators have issued two warrants for his arrest, although Yoon has not yet been detained. On Monday, officials sought the cooperation of the presidential security service and the defense ministry to execute the arrest warrant.
Yoon’s Response and Legal Challenges
Yoon has remained defiant in the face of mounting legal troubles. While he refused to submit legal briefs requested by the Constitutional Court before hearings began on December 27, his lawyers indicated he would be willing to appear in person to defend his case.
One of Yoon’s lawyers, Seok Dong Hyeon, characterized the arrest attempts as politically motivated and designed to publicly humiliate the embattled leader. Despite this, Yoon’s legal team has stated that he will respect the court’s final decision on his impeachment, even if it means the end of his presidency.
Lifetime Benefits for South Korean Presidents
In adding to the controversy is the fact that South Korean presidents are entitled to receive 95% of their salaries for the rest of their lives after leaving office. This provision has fueled public criticism, as Yoon stands to benefit from a lifetime pension even if his impeachment is upheld.
Meanwhile, former acting president Han Duck Soo, who briefly stepped into the role before his own impeachment, will also receive a 3% salary increase in 2025, raising his annual pay to 204 million won (£114,000).
Public Outcry and Political Ramifications
The salary hikes have intensified public scrutiny of South Korea’s political leadership, with many questioning the ethical implications of awarding raises to impeached or suspended officials. As the Constitutional Court prepares its ruling, the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s political landscape and public trust in its leadership.
