Following lifting martial law, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended South Korea’s democratic resilience.
Blinken stated, “South Korean democracy is one of the most powerful stories anywhere in the world,” emphasizing that the incident highlighted the importance of democratic institutions. The U.S. government and major media outlets have been closely analyzing the political implications of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s actions.
At a press conference held after the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, Blinken remarked that political conflicts must be resolved peacefully and by the rule of law. He also noted in a statement issued the previous day that the United States has been closely monitoring the situation in South Korea over the past 24 hours while welcoming the resolution to lift martial law.
Yoon declared martial law on Tuesday night at approximately 10:30 p.m., citing threats from “North Korea’s communist forces” and the need to “eradicate pro-North Korea anti-state forces that threaten the freedom and happiness of our people.” In response, the Speaker’s office and opposition lawmakers swiftly convened at the National Assembly and passed the resolution to lift martial law at around 1 a.m. on Wednesday. Citizens opposing martial law gathered at the National Assembly, pressuring the Yoon administration. Blinken’s praise reflects his acknowledgment of this swift and peaceful resolution.
The spokesperson for the White House National Security Council (NSC) expressed relief that President Yoon had rescinded his declaration of martial law and respected the decision made by the National Assembly. The NSC also noted that the administration maintains communication with the South Korean government and closely monitors the situation. Following the initial declaration of martial law, the NSC stated it was in close contact with the South Korean government and had voiced strong concerns about the potential for escalation.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell also commented, “The United States is watching developments in South Korea with grave concern. Speaking at an event in Osaka, Japan, he added, “The United States is seeking to engage South Korean counterparts at every level, both in Washington and Seoul.”
The New York Times described the martial law incident as a significant test for U.S.-South Korea relations, emphasizing South Korea’s role as one of the United States’ most important allies in Asia and a democratic counterweight to authoritarian regimes in the region. The article suggested that Yoon may have timed the declaration of martial law to coincide with U.S. President Joe Biden’s overseas trip, potentially undermining the democratic alliance on the global stage.
The Biden administration, which emphasized democratic diplomacy during the Summit for Democracy in South Korea last March, criticized the incident as inconsistent with this commitment.
The Washington Post highlighted the global implications of the incident, emphasizing that South Korea’s democratic stability is a pillar of prosperity in Asia. It warned that the martial law declaration could damage trust among allied nations. The Washington Post also reported that President Biden was immediately briefed on the situation during his visit to Angola, underscoring the high priority the U.S. placed on the developments.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that Yoon’s declaration and subsequent lifting of martial law have sparked domestic and international controversy. AFP noted criticism that Yoon’s actions undermined democratic norms, raising concerns about South Korea’s political stability. It also highlighted that the Biden administration was not informed in advance of Yoon’s decision, pointing to a lack of communication between the two governments.
The incoming Trump administration also expressed surprise at the situation in South Korea. Elon Musk, a key Trump ally and nominee for Secretary of Efficiency, commented on social media platform X, calling Yoon’s declaration of martial law shocking. This comment reflects critical views from Trump’s inner circle on Yoon’s actions.
U.S. media outlets collectively stressed South Korea’s role as a symbol of democracy in Asia. They warned that the martial law incident could undermine global confidence in the country’s democratic institutions. The incident is being closely scrutinized as a test of South Korea’s democratic resilience and its broader impact on international relations.
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