President Yoon Suspended from Duty, Security, Protocol, and Salary Remain Unchanged [Impeachment Q&A]

No Salary for Business Promotion Expenses
Final Impeachment Confirmation Leads to Loss of 'Former President Privileges'

On the 13th, a day before the re-vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol, a sense of silence enveloped the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Even if President Yoon Seok-yeol's duties are suspended, security and protocol will continue to be provided as before, and his status as president will remain unchanged. His salary will also be paid as usual, but it is known that some allowances related to business expenses will not be received.

Previously, former President Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 and former President Park Geun-hye in 2016 lived in the presidential residence after their duties were suspended and did not carry out official schedules. They only handled unofficial schedules while preparing for impeachment trials. President Yoon is also expected to live in the Hannam-dong residence and actively prepare for the impeachment trial.

On the 12th, President Yoon delivered a public address titled "A Message to the People" at the Yongsan Presidential Office, stating, "Whether I am impeached or investigated, I will face it with confidence."

President Yoon is reportedly searching for a legal defense team to prepare for the impeachment trial and investigation, and has begun legal responses. Former Broadcasting and Communications Commissioner Kim Hong-il and former prosecutors are mentioned as members of the defense team in preparation for the investigation on charges of insurrection.

The functions of the Presidential Secretariat will also be maintained, but its role will change to assist the acting president rather than the president. The Chief of the Presidential Secretariat will report the results of the senior secretaries' meeting, chaired by the chief, to the acting president.

If the Constitutional Court's decision ultimately confirms President Yoon's impeachment, he will lose most of the benefits under the "Former Presidents Act." In the case of removal by impeachment, security will still be provided, but benefits such as pension, support from secretaries and drivers, and free medical treatment will be revoked.