The United States expressed serious concern on Tuesday about the situation in South Korea after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. The U.S. hopes that the crisis will be resolved peacefully and according to the law.
What Happened in South Korea?
Yoon’s unexpected decision to declare martial law has shaken South Korea, as it was seen as a way to target his political opponents. This action, which many believe challenges South Korea’s democracy, has caused a lot of trouble. The country’s parliament strongly disagreed with the move, voting against it. Many people took to the streets in protest, and even members of Yoon’s own party urged him to lift the martial law.
The US Response
The U.S. government, including Deputy State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel, stated that they are watching the situation closely. At a regular press briefing, Patel said that the U.S. wants South Korea’s problems to be solved peacefully, following the rule of law. He also mentioned that the U.S. hopes South Korea will respect its own laws, especially since parliament has already voted to reject martial law.
The U.S. was not told in advance about Yoon’s decision to declare martial law. A spokesperson from the White House expressed concern, saying the U.S. is deeply worried about the situation. They also emphasized that the U.S.-South Korea relationship is strong, and the U.S. stands by South Korea during this time of uncertainty.
Legal Situation in South Korea
According to South Korean law, if parliament votes against martial law, the president must lift it immediately. This has made the situation even more complicated. The U.S. is hopeful that the crisis will be resolved without further violence, and the laws of South Korea will be followed.
Troops Entering the National Assembly
In South Korea, the situation has escalated with military troops attempting to enter the National Assembly building. Protesters and parliamentary aides have tried to stop the soldiers, with footage showing people using fire extinguishers to push back against the soldiers.
The U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and continues to urge all sides to follow the rule of law and resolve the issue peacefully.
