UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT

TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 19, 2009

                 The South Financial Group, Inc.          

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

South Carolina		0-15083		57-0824914
	(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification Number)

102 South Main Street, Greenville, South Carolina	29601
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (864) 255-7900

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

On February 19, 2009, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") of The South Financial Group, Inc. ("TSFG") set the annual base compensation of H. Lynn Harton, President and CEO, at $650,000 per year. Additionally, the Committee confirmed the target level for Mr. Harton's participation in TSFG's Management Incentive Performance Plan at 70% of base compensation. No other changes were made to Mr. Harton's compensation. Mr. Harton's new base salary is comparable to his base salary and stipend of $640,000, which was being paid for his service as Interim President and CEO.

Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

THE SOUTH FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

February 20, 2009 By: /s/ William P. Crawford, Jr.
William P. Crawford, Jr.
Executive Vice President and General Counsel

- 2 -