Impeached president to get pay rise as he resists arrest six weeks after martial law

President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to receive an annual pay rise despite being impeached and currently suspended from his duties.

The government confirmed that Yoon’s salary will see a 3% increase to 262.6 million won (£147,000), which aligns with the standard increase for government officials.

in December over allegations of insurrection and abuse of power, Yoon has been embroiled in controversy, having declared martial law, citing threats from “anti-state forces” and .

However, it was later revealed that the declaration was more a response to his domestic political challenges rather than external dangers.

The news of Yoon’s pay rise among South Koreans, with many expressing disbelief on social media that he would receive a raise while suspended.

The fact that Yoon’s salary bump is nearly double the country’s minimum wage increase has added fuel to the public discontent. A post on X stated: “Minimum wage increased by 1.7% while [Yoon gets] 3% for what?”

Earlier this month, a standoff occurred as Yoon’s security barred investigators at the presidential residence. With an arrest warrant set to expire at midnight on January 7, a last-minute decision by a local court extended it.

A fresh effort to detain Yoon is being orchestrated by investigators who are now seeking police assistance.

Officials announced on Monday that they aim to without causing “any casualties or bloodshed”, and signalled that obstructive security personnel and lawmakers risk facing arrest themselves.

Tensions escalated as Yoon’s legal team called assigning police officers and investigators for the president’s arrest as “a betrayal of the public”. They have dismissed the arrest warrant as “illegal”.

In a bold demand, they insisted that those involved in the arrest operation should revealed to stop any attempts by rioters to infiltrate and pose as police.

Meanwhile, Seoul has seen major demonstrations, with thousands rallying either in solidarity with or opposition to Yoon.

His opposition is fighting for his impeachment and arrest following , whereas his supporters are defending the move as a measure to safeguard South Korean democracy.

Han Duck-soo, who stepped in as acting president following Yoon’s impeachment only to face impeachment himself – will all also see his yearly salary increase by 3% to 204 million won (£114,000).