South Korean democracy shaken as US watches dramatic power move unfold
US top officials monitor sudden political crisis in South Korea after presidents unexpected martial law declaration. Military forces and protesters face-off near parliament as lawmakers reject the move
A sudden political storm hit South Korea when President Yoon Suk Yeol announced martial law during an un-expected late-nite TV broadcast (marking the biggest shake-up since the 80s democratic changes)
The situation got more complex when law-makers voted against the presidents decision; while troops in full-gear tried entering the parliament building: protesters gathered outside and assembly workers used fire-extinguishers to keep soldiers away
Kurt Campbell US Deputy State Secretary shared Washingtonʼs position: “We are watching the recent developments in ROK with grave concern“ [[speaking at State Department event]]
Top-level US officials including President Biden‚ Jake Sullivan and Antony Blinken stay up-to-date with the un-folding crisis. A White House rep confirmed they werent told about the martial law before-hand; however the US-Korean partnership remains strong
We stand by Korea in their time of uncertainty; we have every hope and expectation that any political disputes will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law
The US aims to keep contact with Korean counter-parts through various channels — both in Washington and Seoul — as the democratic stand-off continues between the military parliament and citizens
