Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Getting A Pay Hike In 2025- Here's Why

South Korea's impeached President, Yoon Suk Yeol, is slated to receive a salary increase in 2025, despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his impeachment. The raise, set at three percent, will bring his annual salary to approximately $178,071 (or Rs 1.54 crore), up from Rs 1.49 crore in 2024. This pay hike places Yoon's monthly salary at Rs 12.84 lakh before taxes, even though he is suspended from performing presidential duties.

Photo Credit: PTI

What's Behind the Pay Increase?

The salary increase for Yoon, despite his impeachment, aligns with the pay structure for other public officials in South Korea. According to the Ministry of Personnel Management, there is currently no legal reason to restrict payments to impeached officials. While Yoon's presidential duties are on hold, he remains technically in office until the Constitutional Court rules on his fate. The court has up to six months to decide whether Yoon's impeachment will be upheld or annulled, as reported by Firstpost.

While the raise is in line with public officials' compensation, it has sparked controversy among South Koreans, with many questioning why an impeached leader should continue to receive such benefits. Critics point out the stark contrast between the modest wage increases for South Korea's citizens and the significant pay rise for their president. For instance, the country's minimum wage was increased by only 1.7%, while Yoon's salary has been boosted by 3%.

How Does Yoon's Salary Compare Globally?

When comparing Yoon's salary with those of global leaders, South Korea's president earns significantly less than other prominent heads of state. For example, the U.S. president earns an annual salary of approximately Rs 3.46 crore, and the UK Prime Minister receives about Rs 1.80 crore annually. By contrast, South Korea's Prime Minister, Han Duck-soo, who is acting as president following Yoon's suspension, will earn around Rs 1.19 crore in 2025, as reported by Firstpost.

What Happens Next?

The future of Yoon's salary is tied to the Constitutional Court's decision. If the court upholds his impeachment, Yoon will be stripped of all presidential privileges, including his salary. However, according to South Korean law, former presidents are entitled to 95% of their salary for life after leaving office, along with other perks such as a personal driver, security, and an office stipend.

The debate over Yoon's salary comes at a time when there is growing public dissatisfaction with the handling of impeachment and public officials' compensation. Some lawmakers have suggested cutting the salaries of impeached officials, while others have voiced concern over the potential for taxpayers to fund benefits for leaders who have been removed from office, as per media reports.

In the meantime, Yoon's fate remains in the hands of the Constitutional Court, and his salary remains a point of contention for many in South Korea.