Yoon remains committed to giving 2 million won monthly wage to soldiers: spokesperson

Transition team spokesperson Shin Yong-hyun speaks during a press briefing at the team's office in Seoul, April 27. Yonhap

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has a "strong determination" to keep his election promise to raise soldiers' monthly salary to 2 million won ($1,580), a spokesperson for Yoon's transition team said Wednesday.

"The president-elect has a very strong determination to keep (the pledge)," said spokesperson Shin Yong-hyun. "The team's subcommittees on security, planning and economy are having discussions on ways to achieve the pledge."

Shin later told a KBS radio interview that transitional team officials have prepared measures to keep Yoon's promise to some extent.

During his campaign, Yoon said he will raise the monthly wage of conscripted soldiers to 2 million won as a part of his plan to enhance their working conditions. Currently, a sergeant receives 676,100 won per month.

The transition team has been discussing funding and payment plans on Yoon's pledge.

Sources said that a plan of a slight wage hike from the current level and giving a lump sum of money upon the soldiers' discharge is being reviewed as a favorable option rather than following the original plan of giving the troops 2 million won per month. (Yonhap)