The United States is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in South Korea, where President Yoon Suk Yeol has declared emergency martial law. This move by President Yoon has taken the U.S. by surprise, and officials are actively engaging with the South Korean government to address the situation.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell expressed grave concern over the developments in South Korea, stating that the U.S. is watching the situation closely. He also added that the U.S. hopes and expects that any political disputes will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.
President Joe Biden, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have all been briefed on the situation and are being kept updated as events unfold, according to Campbell. He also mentioned that U.S. officials are actively engaging with their South Korean counterparts at all levels, both in Washington and Seoul.
Late on Tuesday, President Yoon declared martial law during an unannounced late-night address. In his speech, he vowed to eliminate what he described as “anti-state” forces amid a power struggle with the opposition-controlled parliament. He accused them of sympathizing with communist North Korea.
However, within hours of the declaration, the National Assembly voted to overturn it. Speaker Woo Won Shik announced that lawmakers will protect democracy with the people and called for the immediate withdrawal of police and military forces from the Assembly grounds.
The U.S. is closely monitoring the situation in South Korea, and it is clear that the U.S. government stands firmly with the people of South Korea in their fight to protect democracy and uphold the rule of law. The U.S. has a long-standing partnership with South Korea, and this recent turn of events only strengthens the bond between the two nations.
The U.S. is committed to working with the South Korean government to ensure that the situation is resolved peacefully and in a manner that respects the will of the people. The U.S. also calls on all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to any political disputes.
The U.S. remains a steadfast ally of South Korea and will continue to support the nation in its pursuit of peace and stability. The U.S. believes in the importance of democracy and the rule of law, and we stand with the people of South Korea in their efforts to protect these fundamental principles.
In conclusion, the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation in South Korea and is actively engaging with the government to address the current crisis. The U.S. stands with the people of South Korea and will continue to support them in their fight to protect democracy and uphold the rule of law. We remain hopeful that the situation will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the will of the people.