U.S. Sees South Korea’s Constitutional Process as a Model for Democracy Amid Impeachment

The U.S. government has assessed that South Korea’s constitutional and democratic principles are functioning effectively in the impeachment process of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

According to the U.S. Department of State’s official website, spokesperson Matthew Miller stated during a Tuesday press briefing that he would not comment on President Yoon’s actions or statements. He broadly noted that constitutional procedures in South Korea have been functioning well recently. Miller highlighted that following President Yoon’s declaration of martial law, the National Assembly responded with impeachment, leading to the appointment of an acting president, demonstrating the operation of democracy.

Miller added that the democratic process is not as straightforward as it might appear. He pointed out that the United States also faces its own democratic challenges, referencing the stark revelations that emerged during the Capitol insurrection on January 6, four years ago.

Furthermore, Miller stated that he was unaware of Kim Eo Jun’s claim regarding an alleged plan by martial law forces to assassinate key politicians.

When questioned about the source of Kim’s report on the alleged assassination plot, which Kim claimed originated from an allied country, he responded that he was not aware of any such information coming from the United States. He emphasized that it is appropriate for South Korean authorities to address such allegations, in line with democratic principles based on the rule of law.