South Korea: Suspended President Yoon Receives Salary Hike Despite Impeachment

Seoul: Yoon Suk Yeol, the impeached president of South Korea, is set to receive a salary increase despite his suspension following his brief imposition of martial law last year. For 2025, Mr. Yoon’s annual salary will rise by 3 percent, reaching 262.6 million won ($179,000) from 254.9 million won ($170,000) last year, according to the South Korean government.

This means that, despite being off duty since mid-December last year, Mr. Yoon will be paid 21.8 million won per month before taxes, as reported by The Korea Times.

The South Korean Ministry of Personnel Management stated that the salary increase is in line with standard appraisals for government officials. Over the next six months, while undergoing impeachment proceedings, Mr. Yoon will receive around 130 million won, even though he is not performing any presidential duties.

Similarly, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, also suspended after being impeached by the National Assembly, will see a 3 percent salary increase and receive 235.5 million won annually. While paying the full salary to the impeached president and prime minister goes against South Korea’s “no work, no pay” principle, the legal standing remains unclear, as there are no regulations governing salary payments to impeached public officials.

South Korea’s Parliament impeached Mr. Yoon on December 14, 2024, following his brief attempt to impose martial law on December 3. Although he has been stripped of his duties and powers, Mr. Yoon remains president while the Constitutional Court deliberates on his case.

Article 38 of the Constitutional Court Act stipulates that a ruling must be made within 180 days of receiving the case, though this deadline is not legally binding.

What Changed For Yoon post suspension

Yoon’s key constitutional powers have been transferred to Acting President Choi Sang-mok, including the authority to sign diplomatic treaties, appoint diplomats, and put matters of national importance related to foreign, defense, and unification affairs to a referendum. Additionally, Yoon has lost the exclusive powers to declare martial law, declare war against a foreign state, command the military, and enjoy immunity from prosecution for crimes.

The authority to appoint public officials, including cabinet ministers, the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and fill the three vacancies on the Constitutional Court, has also been suspended.

What remains the same

Despite being suspended from his duties, Yoon remains the President and is entitled to stay in his official residence, use the presidential motorcade and aircraft, and receive presidential security. He will also continue to receive his annual salary.

However, if he is removed from office, Yoon would forfeit all benefits typically granted to former presidents, including a pension worth 95% of his salary at the time of retirement and a staff of up to four people. While he would still receive security protection, he would no longer be eligible for financial support for a private office, transportation, or medical care for himself and his family.