Pentagon Addresses North Korea Risks, Reaffirms Support for South Korea’s Democratic Process

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Defense stated that it does not want any actor to exploit the impeachment situation in South Korea.

During a press briefing, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh addressed concerns about potential North Korean provocations amid South Korea’s political turmoil. She emphasized that a democratic political process is currently underway in South Korea.

Singh confirmed that U.S.-South Korea cooperation and dialogue continue despite the ongoing political crisis. When asked about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s recent trip to Japan without a stop in South Korea, Singh explained that Austin postponed his visit due to the recent events in South Korea. She reassured reporters that the U.S. maintains a strong and positive relationship with South Korea and will continue moving forward.

Singh further noted that Austin is concluding his thirteenth trip to the Indo-Pacific region, underscoring the Biden administration and the Defense Department’s strong focus on this strategic area.