Seoul, Jan 13, (V7N) - Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will still receive a scheduled salary increase despite facing impeachment and an ongoing investigation into his controversial martial law declaration, official documents revealed on Monday.

Yoon, who suspended civilian rule and deployed soldiers to parliament on December 3, triggering South Korea's most severe political crisis in decades, was impeached by lawmakers and now awaits a Constitutional Court ruling that could finalize his removal from office. He is also under investigation for insurrection, with authorities seeking his detention for questioning.

Despite these circumstances, government documents from the Ministry of Personnel Management confirm Yoon’s salary will increase by 3% to 262.6 million won ($178,400) for 2025. Since his impeachment is pending, Yoon legally retains his presidential status, allowing him to continue receiving his salary and security privileges.

Similarly, suspended Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who had briefly taken over as acting president before his own impeachment, will also see his salary rise by 3% to 203.5 million won ($138,350).

Public backlash was swift. A viral post on social media platform X expressed outrage: “It makes my blood boil. He’s getting paid for doing nothing.”

Yoon has resisted cooperation with investigators, refusing to meet prosecutors probing his brief martial law imposition. His presidential guard recently blocked an arrest attempt after a prolonged standoff. Authorities are reportedly planning another effort to detain him.

Meanwhile, daily rival protests both supporting and opposing Yoon continue to unfold across Seoul, reflecting deep divisions within the country as the political crisis intensifies.

END/WD/RH/