Key takeaways:

• South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will receive a scheduled 3% salary increase despite his impeachment.
• Yoon's pay will rise to 262.6 million won (around $179,000) amidst ongoing investigations and resistance against arrest.
• Political tensions continue to escalate with protests for and against Yoon's leadership.
• The Constitutional Court is reviewing Yoon's impeachment, and its decision could lead to new presidential elections.

South Korea is entrenched in a political crisis as suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol continues his tenure following an impeachment vote by lawmakers. Despite ongoing investigations related to his controversial declaration of martial law, which sparked significant public uproar, Yoon is set to receive a scheduled salary increase. Official documents released on January 13 confirm that his annual pay will rise by 3% to 262.6 million won (approximately $179,000) for 2025, aligning with the pay adjustments for government officials, as reported by Le Monde.

Yoon's predicament escalated when he suspended civilian rule on December 3, 2024, by forcibly deploying soldiers into the parliamentary building. His declaration and subsequent retreat led to his impeachment. Currently, Yoon is held in his heavily secured residence as he faces an impending arrest warrant related to accusations of insurrection and abuse of power. Investigators are preparing to make another attempt to detain him after a tense standoff earlier this month thwarted their first effort.

The political atmosphere surrounding Yoon remains volatile, as rival protests are staged daily in Seoul, with some supporting his presidency while others demand his arrest. Yoon's actions have polarized the nation, and social media sentiment reflects the discontent of many South Koreans who are baffled by the pay raise, with some voicing their anger through platforms like X, questioning why he should receive a salary for effectively doing nothing.The Guardian outlined that critics find it unacceptable for Yoon to benefit financially during such a tumultuous time.

Currently, the Constitutional Court is tasked with determining whether Yoon’s dismissal from power is warrantable. A hearing is scheduled to commence shortly, and its outcome could lead to significant ramifications, including holding new presidential elections if Yoon's impeachment is upheld.

Yoon maintains that his martial law declaration was legitimate and continues to resist efforts surrounding the investigations, making this unprecedented moment in South Korean politics one to watch closely. For further details, visit CNN and BBC.