49th New Prime Minister, Kim Min-Seok(left) and President Lee Jae-Myeong(right)
A closer look at South Korea’s “second-in-command”—with vast responsibilities but limited real power.
In South Korea’s political system, the Prime Minister holds the lofty title of being the nation’s No. 2 official, right behind the President. With the authority to oversee all government ministries and act on behalf of the President in times of crisis, the role appears formidable on paper. It's no wonder the position is often described with the classic Korean phrase: "One step below the President, one step above all others."
A Powerful Position—At Least in Theory
The Prime Minister assumes presidential duties when the President is unable to fulfill them. A notable example was in 2004, when then-Prime Minister Goh Kun took over during the impeachment proceedings against President Roh Moo-hyun. The Prime Minister also serves as the Vice Chair of the Cabinet, coordinating and presiding over meetings when the President is absent. Their role includes submitting government bills and budgets to the National Assembly, nominating or recommending the dismissal of ministers, and reporting major national affairs during parliamentary sessions.
Additionally, the Prime Minister has supervisory authority over central government agencies. If a ministry’s directive is deemed illegal or unjust, the Prime Minister has the right to suspend or revoke it. However, recent history has shown that not all Prime Ministers rise to this standard. Critics point to figures like Han Duck-soo, accused of supporting illegal martial law declarations and misleading the public, as examples of the position’s darker side.
Two key bodies assist the Prime Minister: the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and the Office for Government Policy Coordination, comprising around 400 staff members, many of whom are seconded from various ministries.
Pay, Protocol, and Perks
As of 2024, the South Korean Prime Minister receives an annual salary of ₩197.6 million (~$140,000), more than a cabinet minister but less than the President, who earns over ₩254 million. The Prime Minister also has access to over ₩1 billion in discretionary funds for official business.
For Prime Ministers who are also sitting lawmakers, the law requires them to choose between their legislative salary and the executive one—most opt for the Prime Minister’s salary.
In terms of protocol rank, the Prime Minister is fifth, following the President, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and President of the Constitutional Court. The Prime Minister is also provided with official residences in both Seoul (Samcheong-dong) and Sejong City, as well as a government vehicle and driver (usually a political appointee rather than a civil servant).
Although not protected by the Presidential Security Service, the Prime Minister has a dedicated security team composed of elite agents, often with martial arts backgrounds. Police escorts and perimeter protection are standard during official movements.
Why the PM Is Called a “Ceremonial Shield”
Despite the impressive-sounding powers, many insiders acknowledge a more symbolic role. A senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office once remarked, “A Korean Prime Minister must exist as if they don’t.” That is, they must serve as a shield when the President is under pressure, but refrain from outshining the President at any cost. Walking this tightrope is crucial.
The position originates from parliamentary systems, but South Korea employs a presidential system with parliamentary features—a hybrid that makes it difficult for Prime Ministers to exercise true leadership. Many have been criticized as “rubber-stamp PMs” or “human shields,” especially when appointed more for optics than autonomy.
Because of the sheer number of ceremonial duties delegated by the President, the Prime Minister is sometimes called the “Protocol Prime Minister.” Since the Prime Minister’s Office was relocated to Sejong City in 2012, the role has involved heavy travel across Seoul, Sejong, and regional cities—so much so that physical stamina has become an unspoken prerequisite for nominees.
One official summarized the role bluntly:
“The Korean Prime Minister’s job is to take full responsibility for everything—on behalf of the President. When the administration is under fire, the Prime Minister must step forward. And when there’s glory to claim, they must step back and give it to the President. That’s what makes a great statesman.”
Final Thoughts
The South Korean Prime Minister may seem powerful, but the reality is shaped by a delicate dance between authority and subordination. As long as executive power remains heavily concentrated in the presidency, the Prime Minister will continue to be a paradox: a figure of immense responsibility but limited independence.
Still, for those who can navigate the contradictions, the office offers a unique vantage point at the center of government—where public service, political strategy, and personal restraint converge.
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