South Korea’s government says President Yoon Seok-yeol will receive an annual salary increase despite his impeachment over his brief imposition of martial law.

Yoon’s salary will increase by 3% to 262.6 million won ($179,000; £147,000), in line with government officials.

Since his impeachment in December, Yoon has resisted investigation and arrest on suspicion of rebellion and abuse of power, plunging the country into deeper political turmoil.

While suspended, Mr Yoon remains in office until South Korea’s Constitutional Court upholds his impeachment.

Yoon cited “anti-national forces” and threats from North Korea to justify his declaration of martial law. However, it soon became apparent that his actions were motivated not by external threats but by his own domestic political troubles.

News of Yoon’s pay raise drew criticism from South Koreans, some of whom said they couldn’t believe he was still getting paid, let alone a raise, while he was suspended.

Some on social media pointed out that Mr Yoon’s 3% pay rise was almost double the increase in the country’s minimum wage.

“The minimum wage increased by 1.7% and (Yin got) 3%, what’s that for?” read a post on X that has received thousands of likes.

Earlier this month, Yin’s safety Prevent investigators from contacting him At the Presidential Residence. The initial arrest warrant expired at midnight on January 7 due to the standoff, but was extended by a local court.

Investigators are preparing to arrest Yin again and have requested police assistance.

On Monday, authorities said any attempt to arrest Yin would be done to ensure “any casualties or bloodshed” are avoided. They also warned that security personnel and lawmakers could be arrested if they obstructed arrests.

Yoon’s lawyers said assigning police and investigators to arrest the president was a “betrayal of the public.” They claimed the warrant was “unlawful.”

They also asked arrestees not to wear masks to “prevent rioters from breaking into state secret locations and impersonating police officers.”

Thousands of people took part in massive protests in the capital, Seoul, either for or against Yoon.

While his critics would like to see the disgraced president impeached and arrested over the martial law attempt, Yoon’s supporters believe his brief martial law was justified to protect South Korea’s democracy.

Han Deok-soo, who became acting president after Yoon Eun-hye was impeached but has since been impeached by parliament himself, will also see his annual salary increase by 3% to 204 million won ($138,000; £114,000).

By comparison, the US president’s annual salary is $400,000 (£329,000). British Prime Minister’s salary Approximately £172,000 ($209,000).