White House "Concerned About Korea Situation... Closely Monitoring"
The U.S. government expressed hope on the 3rd (local time) that the National Assembly's resolution demanding the lifting of martial law, passed after President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law, will be respected. The U.S. confirmed that it was not notified in advance regarding President Yoon's declaration of martial law.
The US daily newspaper The New York Times (NYT) is urgently reporting on June 3 (local time) the news of President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law.
Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the U.S. Department of State, said at a briefing that day, "I am not an expert on Korean law or the workings of its legislature, but our hope and expectation is that the laws and rules of a particular country should be followed within that country."
When asked whether the vote by the Korean National Assembly to lift martial law was included, he replied, "That is the same case," but added, "However, I will not comment on (Korea's) procedures at this time."
Deputy Spokesperson Patel explained, "We are watching the recent situation in Korea with serious concern," and "The U.S. is seeking communication at all levels with Korean counterparts in Seoul." He added, "Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also been briefed," and "We are closely monitoring the situation on the ground."
Kurt Campbell, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, also emphasized before delivering a speech at an event held in Washington D.C. that day, "We are watching the recent developments in Korea with significant concern," and "We fully hope and expect that any political disputes will be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law."
Additionally, the U.S. government confirmed that it was not notified in advance by Korea about President Yoon's declaration of martial law.
A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council (NSC) said that day, "The U.S. was not notified in advance of this announcement," and "We are seriously concerned about the developments we are witnessing in Korea." The spokesperson added, "The (U.S.) administration is in contact with the Korean government," and "We are continuing to gather more information and are closely monitoring the situation."
U.S. President Joe Biden, who is currently visiting Angola in Africa, was briefed on President Yoon's declaration of martial law. When asked by reporters about the situation in Korea that day, he replied, "I was just briefed," and "I have not received detailed information about the situation overnight."
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