U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has delivered a strikingly forceful critique of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s decision to declare martial law.
Campbell criticized the move as a deeply troubling reminder of South Korea’s authoritarian past, warning that it could inflict lasting damage on the nation’s social fabric. He praised South Korea’s National Assembly for its swift action in passing a resolution to revoke the state of emergency, framing their response as a testament to the resilience of democracy. Campbell stated that the firm opposition displayed by South Korea’s political partners to the martial law measure is something that, as allies, should be a source of pride.
Revealing that the martial law declaration reportedly blindsided South Korean Foreign Ministry officials and other government leaders, Campbell hinted at a lack of transparency within the Yoon administration. He suggested that this absence of advance notification to allies could strain trust and coordination.
Using strong language, Campbell described the decision as “illegitimate,” signaling a deeply pessimistic view of the episode. While he stopped short of clarifying whether this reflected a personal assessment or an official U.S. position, his remarks underscored significant concern within Washington about the developments.
Despite his criticism, Campbell reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, expressing confidence in its durability even amid political challenges. He acknowledged the difficult months ahead for South Korea but assured the U.S. remains committed to working with its ally to address these challenges.
In a separate event focused on Japan, Campbell reiterated his concerns about the situation in South Korea, signaling that the U.S. government is closely monitoring the unfolding political dynamics. His repeated statements suggest Washington’s unease with the potential implications of Yoon’s controversial decision.
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